Purpose of the Bill

The bill aims to establish a Provider Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST) program in Minnesota. This program is intended to ensure that the medical treatment preferences of patients nearing the end of their lives are respected and followed by healthcare providers.

Main Provisions

• Establishment of POLST Program: The Commissioner of Health is required to create and manage a statewide POLST program that complies with relevant state and federal privacy laws.
• POLST Registry: A statewide POLST registry will be set up to collect and share provider orders for life-sustaining treatment. This registry must align with state and federal health information technology standards.
• Authorization of Users: Specific healthcare professionals, such as emergency medical responders, EMTs, paramedics, and those in hospitals and other care facilities, will be authorized users of the POLST registry.
• POLST Call Center: A 24/7 call center will be established to assist authorized users in obtaining POLSTs without the need for internet access.
• Training and Education: The Minnesota POLST Steering Committee will provide training and advise the Commissioner of Health on POLST-related matters, including education for healthcare providers and the public.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• Data Practices and Immunity: The bill classifies the data collected as private or nonpublic and protects it from civil subpoenas and discovery in legal proceedings. It also grants immunity from liability to those who report or act on information from the POLST registry in good faith.
• Implementation Timeline: The full implementation of the POLST program is required by January 1, 2026. Specific appropriations are made for funding the establishment and operation of the program.

Relevant Terms

• POLST (Provider Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment)
• POLST Registry
• Life-sustaining treatment
• Minnesota POLST Steering Committee
• Privacy and security laws
• Data classification