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 present with them while receiving care. Specifically, it modifies section 144.651, subdivision 10a, to allow at least one designated support person chosen by the resident to be physically 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 applies to assisted living facilities, mandating that these facilities also allow a designated support person chosen by the resident to be present. Similar to the previous section, it defines "designated support person" and outlines conditions under which a facility may restrict or prohibit their presence, such as for safety reasons or to maintain care standards. Residents are given the right to file complaints if their designated support person is restricted from being present.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 144.651, 144G.91