This bill seeks to amend Minnesota statutes to ensure that residents of long-term care facilities and certain healthcare patients, including pregnant patients, have the right to a designated support person of their choosing.

Key provisions of the bill include: - Guaranteed Support Person Access: Facilities must allow at least one designated support person to be physically present with a resident or patient while they are receiving care or residing in the facility. - Definition of a Support Person: The support person can be a spouse, partner, family member, or another person with a close relationship to the patient or resident. - Exceptions: Facilities may limit or prohibit the presence of a support person in certain circumstances, such as in treatment, procedure, or operating rooms when necessary for care standards or when the support person is acting violently or threatening others. - Grievance Process: If a facility restricts or prohibits a designated support person's presence, the decision is subject to the facility’s internal grievance procedures. - Exemption: This law does not apply to residents or patients in state-operated treatment programs.

This bill aims to provide emotional and personal support to long-term care residents and certain medical patients while maintaining necessary healthcare safety protocols.