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SF2751 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Residents of long-term care facilities right to a designated support person provision

Related bill: HF2363

AI Generated Summary

Purpose of the Bill

The bill aims to ensure that residents of long-term care facilities have the right to be accompanied by a designated support person. This expands patient rights and focuses on providing comfort and support during healthcare services.

Main Provisions

  1. Right to a Designated Support Person:

    • Long-term care facility residents can choose at least one designated support person who can be present with them.
    • This is applicable to any care setting, including hospital stays.

  2. Definition of Support Person:

    • A designated support person may include a spouse, partner, family member, or anyone related by affinity as chosen by the patient or resident.
    • Certified doulas and traditional midwives do not count towards the one support person limit, suggesting multiple support roles may exist concurrently.

  3. Restriction Conditions:

    • Facilities can restrict or prohibit a support person's presence to meet appropriate care standards or if the support person is violent or threatening.
    • Any restriction is subject to the facility’s written grievance procedures.

  4. Exemptions:

    • The provision does not apply to patients or residents in state-operated treatment programs.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

  • The bill amends Minnesota Statutes (sections 144.651 and 144G.91) to formally include the presence of a designated support person as a right.
  • It introduces a new requirement for assisted living facilities to allow at least one designated support person chosen by the resident.

Relevant Terms

  • Designated support person
  • Long-term care facility
  • Patient rights
  • Assisted living
  • Health care services
  • Grievance procedure

Bill text versions

Actions

DateChamberWhereTypeNameCommittee Name
March 19, 2025SenateFloorActionIntroduction and first reading
March 19, 2025SenateFloorActionReferred toHealth and Human Services

Citations

 
[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "A new subsection provides the right for patients to have a designated support person during treatment."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This bill modifies the existing patient bill of rights by amending section 144.651, subdivision 10a, to include rights related to a designated support person.",
      "modified": [
        "Clarifies conditions under which a support person's presence can be restricted."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "144.651"
  }
]

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