The bill amends Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 144.562, subdivision 3, to modify the license conditions for certain hospital swing beds. It establishes that the commissioner of health shall approve a license condition for swing beds if the hospital meets specific criteria, including compliance with Medicare conditions and eligibility requirements. Notably, the bill introduces provisions that allow for an extension of a patient's length of stay beyond the standard 40 days in emergency situations, provided the hospital documents the necessity and lack of available skilled nursing facility beds. Additionally, it stipulates that admission to swing beds is limited to patients who have been hospitalized or transferred directly from an acute care hospital.

Furthermore, the bill includes a significant exception for hospitals located in Cook County that are designated as critical access hospitals and have an attached nursing home. For these hospitals, the conditions regarding length of stay and admission criteria do not apply, allowing swing beds to be used for nursing facility services without requiring a prior hospital stay. This change aims to enhance access to necessary care in rural areas while ensuring that services provided are eligible for medical assistance reimbursement.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 144.562