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 new provisions that allow for exceptions to the maximum length of stay and admission criteria for swing beds in hospitals located in Cook County that are designated as critical access hospitals and have an attached nursing home.

Specifically, the bill allows these Cook County hospitals to provide nursing facility services through swing beds without requiring a prior hospital stay, which is a significant change from the existing regulations. The conditions regarding length of stay and admission to swing beds, which typically limit stays to 40 days and require prior hospitalization, do not apply to these specific hospitals. Additionally, the services provided in these swing beds will be covered under medical assistance programs, ensuring that patients have access to necessary care without the constraints typically imposed on swing bed usage.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 144.562