Purpose of the Bill

This legislative proposal aims to update and amend the existing statutes related to assisted living facilities in Minnesota. This includes introducing new provisions, clarifying and expanding definitions related to restraints used in these settings, and repealing outdated sections. The goal is to ensure the safety and well-being of residents and improve regulatory compliance for assisted living facilities.

Main Provisions

• Restraints Definitions: The bill adds definitions to clarify different types of restraints: chemical, manual, and mechanical restraints, aligning them with previously existing definitions in section 245D.02.

• Licensing Requirements: It mandates that all assisted living facilities must be properly licensed to operate. Additional rules are specified for facilities providing dementia care, including fire safety barriers and automatic sprinkler systems by August 1, 2029.

• Training on Restraints: Staff who may apply manual restraints must receive mandatory training on de-escalation techniques, person-centered planning, and culturally competent care. An annual refresher course is also required.

• Use of Restraints: The bill stresses that restraints can only be used in emergency situations to prevent imminent risk and must not be utilized for discipline or convenience. Protective measures, notification protocols, and documentation requirements are detailed.

• Assisted Living Facility Naming: From January 1, 2026, the use of "assisted living" in marketing is restricted to licensed entities. Facilities can no longer include terms like "home care" or "nursing home" in their names.

• Repealing Section: The bill repeals section 144G.9999, which previously established a Resident Quality of Care and Outcomes Improvement Task Force.

Significant Changes

• Training and Procedures: New mandatory training frameworks for staff in handling restraint situations to ensure safety and compliance.

• Licensing and Safety: Strengthened licensing requirements and structured facility safety measures, particularly for dementia care units, with an emphasis on fire safety standards.

• Use and Restrictions on Restraints: Enhanced regulations on emergency restraint use with provisions banning certain practices like chemical restraints and prone restraints unless specific conditions are met.

Relevant Terms

chemical restraint, manual restraint, mechanical restraint, assisted living license, dementia care, staff training, emergency measures, restraints, cultural competence, fire barrier, automatic sprinkler system, compliance, licensure termination, provisional license, task force repeal.