Purpose of the Bill

The bill is designed to enhance safety in health care facilities by authorizing the use of electronic monitoring in patients' rooms. It aims to combat and address instances of abuse against vulnerable patient groups.

Main Provisions

• Electronic monitoring will be permitted in patient rooms for those admitted for longer than 24 hours.
• The bill applies to various health care facilities, including hospitals, residential hospice facilities, and birth centers.
• Specific vulnerable patient groups mentioned include elderly, young, neurodivergent, and those with physical or mental disabilities or impaired cognition.
• The act references an existing definition of "electronic monitoring device" and how it can be used under section 144.6502.

Significant Changes

• This bill proposes a new law within Minnesota Statutes chapter 144, allowing for the installation and use of electronic monitoring devices in specified health care facilities.
• It extends the current practices by explicitly permitting electronic surveillance to safeguard patients in facilities where they stay for more than 24 hours.

Relevant Terms

electronic monitoring, patient abuse, health care facilities, hospitals, hospice facilities, birth centers, vulnerable patients, neurodivergent, disabilities, continuous monitoring, Minnesota statutes, electronic surveillance.