Purpose of the Bill

This bill aims to enhance protections for residents of nursing homes and assisted living facilities in Minnesota. It addresses conditions for admission and residence, regulates pricing practices, and modifies arbitration and contract termination rules.

Main Provisions

• Prohibited Conditions: Nursing homes and assisted living facilities cannot require residents to have a guardian or conservator to gain admission or continue residing in the facility.
• Price Increases: Assisted living facilities must seek approval from the state commissioner before increasing charges for housing or services that exceed the Consumer Price Index. Facilities need to provide comprehensive documentation supporting any price hikes.
• Arbitration Clauses: Arbitration in disputes involving residents must be optional. Facilities cannot make arbitration a mandatory condition for admission or continued residence.
• Contractual Protections: Assisted living facilities are prohibited from terminating or refusing to renew a resident’s contract based on a change from private to public funding.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• Regulatory Oversight: The bill mandates enhanced regulatory oversight of assisted living facilities by requiring more frequent surveys and monitoring.
• Documentation and Justification: It introduces a requirement for detailed documentation when facilities intend to increase their service charges.
• Arbitration Legislation: Establishes that any arbitration agreements must be optional and in separate, clearly marked documents.
• Termination Grounds: Prohibits termination of contracts solely due to a shift from private to public funding sources.

Relevant Terms

health facilities, assisted living, nursing home, guardian, conservator, Consumer Price Index, arbitration, contract termination, public funds, regulatory oversight, price increase, civil action, legal rights, resident protection.