This bill amends Minnesota Statutes to enhance the rights of residents in long-term care facilities by ensuring they have the right to designate a support person who can be physically present with them while receiving care. Specifically, it modifies section 144.651, subdivision 10a, to allow residents, not just patients, to choose a designated support person. The definition of "designated support person" is expanded to include any individual selected by the resident, such as family members or friends, and clarifies that certified doulas and traditional midwives do not count toward the limit of one designated support person.

Additionally, the bill introduces a new subdivision to section 144G.91, which mandates that assisted living facilities must also allow residents to have a designated support person present. Similar to the previous section, it defines the designated support person and outlines conditions under which a facility may restrict their presence, such as for safety reasons or to maintain care standards. The bill ensures that residents have a mechanism to file complaints if their designated support person is unjustly restricted from being present.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 144.651, 144G.91