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 present with them while receiving care. Specifically, it modifies section 144.651, subdivision 10a, to allow residents, in addition to patients, to choose a designated support person who can be physically present during their stay at a health care facility. The definition of "designated support person" is expanded to include any individual chosen by the resident, not limited to family members, 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 or prohibit their presence, such as when necessary for safety or care standards. The bill also ensures that residents have a mechanism to file complaints if their designated support person is restricted from being present. Overall, the legislation aims to improve the support system for residents in long-term care settings.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 144.651, 144G.91