The bill amends Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 144.562, subdivision 3, to modify the license conditions for hospital swing beds. It establishes that the commissioner of health will approve a license condition for swing beds if the hospital meets specific criteria, including compliance with Medicare conditions and reporting requirements. Notably, the bill introduces new provisions that allow for exceptions to the maximum length of stay and admission criteria for certain hospitals located in Cook County.

Specifically, the bill states that the conditions regarding the maximum length of stay and admission to swing beds do not apply to hospitals in Cook County that are designated as critical access hospitals and have an attached nursing home. This means that swing beds in these hospitals can be used to provide nursing facility services without requiring a prior hospital stay, and these services will be eligible for medical assistance reimbursement. The bill aims to enhance flexibility in the use of swing beds in specific rural healthcare settings while maintaining oversight and reporting requirements for hospitals.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 144.562