HF2757

Purpose of the Bill

The bill aims to update and revise existing laws related to assisted living facilities in Minnesota. It introduces new requirements and standardizes procedures to improve the safety, management, and operational efficiency of these facilities.

Main Provisions

• Restraint Definitions: The bill defines various types of restraints including chemical, manual, and mechanical restraints, and describes how they should be understood within the context of assisted living facilities.
• Licensing Requirements: Starting August 1, 2021, no assisted living facility in Minnesota can operate without a proper license. The bill outlines the need for facilities to be managed by licensed assisted living directors.
• Use of Restraints: It restricts the use of restraints to emergency situations only and prohibits using them for disciplinary purposes or staff convenience. The bill also mandates notifying family or legal representatives when restraints are used.
• Training Requirements: Assisted living staff must receive training in restraint techniques, with a focus on deescalation, cultural competence, and emergency response. An annual refresher training is required.
• Fire Protection and Environment: Facilities with dementia care units must conduct risk assessments for fire and other hazards and have an automatic sprinkler system by 2029.
• Prohibited Procedures: The bill outlines procedures that are forbidden, such as chemical restraints for convenience, and emphasizes measures to protect residents from harm without violation of their rights.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• The bill repeals the establishment and operations of the “Resident Quality of Care and Outcomes Improvement Task Force,” previously tasked with recommending improvements in safety and quality for long-term care facilities.
• Introduces a prohibition on the use of the term "assisted living" by entities not meeting the specific licensing requirements by January 1, 2026.
• The bill details the protocol for licensing termination or extensions of provisional licenses based on compliance with required surveys and standards.

Relevant Terms

chemical restraint, manual restraint, mechanical restraint, assisted living, dementia care, licensing, restraint training, fire safety, emergency procedures, prohibition of restraints, provisional license, task force repeal.