SF3544

SF3544 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Rights and protections for residents of certain long-term care settings modification; rights and protections for clients receiving home care services and rights and protections for home and community-based services recipients

Related bill: HF3344

AI Generated Summary

Purpose of the Bill

The bill aims to expand and enforce protections for LGBTQIA2S individuals and those living with HIV in long-term care and home care settings. It seeks to address discrimination and ensure these residents receive culturally competent and appropriate care.

Main Provisions

Training Requirements: All staff in long-term care facilities, nursing homes, and assisted living facilities must undergo LGBTQIA2S and HIV cultural competency training within six months of employment and regularly thereafter.
Resident Rights: Includes the right for residents to use their chosen name and pronouns, access appropriate medical care, and protection from discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity, or HIV status.
Nondiscrimination Protections: Facilities must not deny admission, transfer, or discharge based on a resident's LGBTQIA2S identity or HIV status and must take steps to prevent harassment.
Room Assignments and Facilities Use: Residents can choose roommates and have access to restrooms that align with their gender identity.
Privacy and Autonomy: Ensures residents' records remain confidential and their personal space is respected.
Civil Actions and Enforcement: Provides residents the right to file civil actions for discrimination and mandates immediate fines for violations without the opportunity for facilities to first correct them.
Funding and Implementation: Appropriations are made for developing and providing the required cultural competency training.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

Introduces a specific focus on the rights and protections of LGBTQIA2S and HIV-positive individuals in care facilities.
Mandates formal training on LGBTQIA2S and HIV issues across related care facilities.
Establishes new grounds for civil action specifically related to discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity, and HIV status.
Implements new notification and training protocols for staff and clarity on how these trainings should be conducted and certified.

Relevant Terms

LGBTQIA2S
HIV
Gender Identity
Sexual Orientation
Cultural Competency
Discrimination
Transgender
Intersex
Two-Spirit

Bill text versions

Introduction PDF file

Actions

Date	Chamber	Where	Type	Name	Committee Name
May 19, 2025	Senate	Floor	Action	Introduction and first reading
May 19, 2025	Senate	Floor	Action	Introduction and first reading
May 19, 2025	Senate	Floor	Action	Referred to	Human Services

Citations

[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "New definitions for gender identity, gender expression, and related terms."
      ],
      "removed": [
        ""
      ],
      "summary": "This bill modifies the definitions related to patient and resident care rights under section 144.651, subdivision 2.",
      "modified": [
        "Clarifies the definitions of existing terms related to patient rights."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "144.651",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 2"
  }
]