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SF3298 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Hospital closure provisions clarification

Related bill: HF3090

AI Generated Summary

Purpose of the Bill

This bill aims to clarify and update the procedures and requirements for hospitals in Minnesota when they plan to close, reduce operations, or relocate services. The goal is to ensure transparency and communication with both the public and the state health department.

Main Provisions

  • Advance Notice Requirement: Hospitals must provide at least 182 days' notice to the Minnesota Commissioner of Health, the public, and other relevant parties before they close or reduce operations significantly. This notice period can be shortened if there is a valid reason and the commissioner approves it.

  • Situations Requiring Notification:

    • The complete closure of hospital operations.
    • Significant curtailment of operations that require transferring patients or emergency services.
    • Relocating inpatient or emergency department services to a different location.
    • Stopping inpatient services like maternity care, newborn care, intensive care, mental health services, or substance use disorder treatment.

  • Public Hearing Requirement: Within 30 days of receiving notification from a hospital, the Commissioner of Health is required to conduct a public hearing. This hearing will allow community members to give input and ask questions about the hospital's plans. The hospital must explain their reasons for the changes and how they will ensure continued access to affected health services. Public participation is facilitated through video conferencing to enhance accessibility.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

This bill enhances the existing law by specifying detailed notification and public hearing procedures. It seeks to ensure that any major operational changes by hospitals are communicated well in advance and provides mechanisms for addressing community concerns.

Relevant Terms

  • Hospital closure
  • Curtailing operations
  • Relocating services
  • Public hearing
  • Advance notice
  • Maternity care
  • Intensive care unit (ICU)
  • Mental health services
  • Substance use disorder treatment

Bill text versions

Actions

DateChamberWhereTypeNameCommittee Name
April 06, 2025SenateFloorActionIntroduction and first reading
April 06, 2025SenateFloorActionReferred toHealth and Human Services

Citations

 
[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Introduces specific notification requirements for ceasing or relocating specific services."
      ],
      "removed": [
        ""
      ],
      "summary": "This amendment clarifies the notice requirements for hospital closure or service relocation under section 144.555.",
      "modified": [
        "Adjusts the timeline and conditions under which a hospital must notify authorities and the public of closure or service changes."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "144.555",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 1a"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Requires use of video conferencing technology to facilitate public participation."
      ],
      "removed": [
        ""
      ],
      "summary": "This amendment outlines the procedural requirements for a public hearing following the announcement of hospital service modifications under section 144.555.",
      "modified": [
        "Specifies the location and operational details for public hearings on hospital service modifications."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "144.555",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 1b"
  }
]

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