This bill amends Minnesota Statutes to ensure that residents of long-term care facilities 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 one designated support person chosen by the resident to be present during their stay at a health care facility. The definition of "designated support person" is expanded to include any individual selected 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 outlines similar provisions for assisted living facilities. It mandates that these facilities must also allow one designated support person chosen by the resident to be present, with the same definition and conditions regarding restrictions as outlined in the previous section. Both sections emphasize that facilities can impose restrictions on the presence of designated support persons if necessary for safety or care standards, and residents have the right to file complaints if their designated support person is prohibited from being present.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 144.651, 144G.91