This bill proposes modifications to Minnesota's assisted living service termination requirements, aiming to enhance resident protections and procedural fairness. Here are the key changes:

1. Prerequisites for Termination:

   • Before issuing a termination notice, assisted living facilities must meet with the resident, legal representative, and designated representative to explain the reasons for termination and explore alternatives.
   • Residents can invite family members, health professionals, or ombudsman representatives to participate in these discussions.

2. Notice and Timing Adjustments:

   • Facilities must provide at least 30 days’ notice for nonpayment terminations or contract violations and at least 5 days’ notice for other qualifying termination cases.
   • Facilities must inform the Office of Ombudsman for Long-Term Care and relevant case managers for residents receiving waiver services.

3. Enhanced Appeals Process:

   • Residents can appeal terminations based on factual disputes, risk of harm, ability to cure violations, or legal violations.
   • Administrative hearings must be conducted within 14 days for most cases and within 7 days for urgent cases.
   • Hearings will be expedited and can include evidence from residents, representatives, or ombudsman offices.

4. Emergency Relocation Rules:

   • In emergency relocations due to medical urgency or safety risks, facilities must provide written notices with justification and relocation details.
   • Emergency relocations do not count as contract terminations, but refusal to allow a resident's return after relocation would trigger termination procedures.

5. Resident Right to Return:

   • Residents cannot be denied return after relocation unless a formal contract termination has been finalized.

6. Coordinated Transition Support:

   • Facilities terminating services must assist in identifying alternative housing or service providers.
   • Facilities must collaborate with residents, legal representatives, and case managers to facilitate coordinated moves.
   • If a resident refuses all identified relocation options for 30 days, the facility is deemed to have met its transition obligations.

Overall, the bill strengthens procedural safeguards for residents of assisted living facilities, ensuring greater transparency, protection from abrupt evictions, and more robust appeal rights.