Purpose of the Bill

The bill aims to enhance the rights of residents in long-term care facilities and patients receiving healthcare services by mandating the allowance of a designated support person during their stay.

Main Provisions

• Right to a Support Person: It requires healthcare providers and facilities to allow residents or patients to have at least one designated support person with them. This includes situations when they are receiving healthcare services, such as during a hospital stay or while in an assisted living facility.
• Definition of Support Person: A designated support person can be anyone the resident or patient chooses, such as a spouse, partner, family member, or another person they have a close relationship with. Certified doulas and traditional midwives are exceptions and do not count towards the one-person limit.
• Restrictions and Prohibitions: Facilities may limit or prohibit a support person's presence in specific areas like treatment or operating rooms if necessary for maintaining care standards. Support persons exhibiting violent or threatening behavior can also be restricted.
• Complaint Procedure: If a support person's presence is restricted, the facility must have a written grievance procedure in place for residents or patients to file complaints.

Significant Changes

• This bill adds a new subdivision to existing Minnesota Statutes, specifically focusing on residents in long-term care and patients in healthcare settings, enhancing their rights to have personal support during vulnerable times.

Relevant Terms

• Designated support person
• Healthcare services
• Long-term care facilities
• Assisted living facilities
• Internal grievance procedure