Minneslate Logo

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 purpose of the bill is to ensure that residents of long-term care facilities and patients in healthcare facilities have the right to be accompanied by a designated support person of their choice. This aims to enhance the emotional and psychological well-being of residents and patients by allowing the presence of a supportive individual during their stay in such facilities.

Main Provisions

  • Designated Support Person Right: The bill allows patients and residents in healthcare and assisted living facilities to have at least one designated support person with them.

  • Who Can Be a Support Person: This individual can be a spouse, partner, family member, or any person related by affinity. Certified doulas and traditional midwives can also provide support, although they do not count towards the limit of one designated support person.

  • Conditions for Restrictions: Facilities can restrict or prohibit the support person from being present in specific areas like treatment or operation rooms to adhere to care standards or if the support person is violent or threatening.

  • Grievance Procedure: If a support person is restricted, the facility must have a written grievance procedure allowing residents to file complaints.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

  • Amends Minnesota Statutes 144.651 and 144G.91 to formally include provisions for a designated support person in healthcare and assisted living facilities. This is a new right added for residents and patients, enhancing their support during care.

Relevant Terms

  • Designated support person
  • Long-term care facilities
  • Assisted living facilities
  • Healthcare facilities
  • Emotional support
  • Patient rights
  • Restrictive conditions
  • Grievance procedure

Bill text versions

Actions

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

Citations

 
[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This bill amends the rights of patients in health facilities regarding their right to have a designated support person present.",
      "modified": [
        "Clarifies conditions under which a designated support person can be present with a patient, particularly pregnant patients."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "144.651",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 10a"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This citation is referenced regarding the limitation of the application of designated support person rights in state-operated treatment programs.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "253B.02",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 18d"
  }
]

Sponsors