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, and clarifies that this person can be anyone related by affinity, including family members or friends. The bill also stipulates that certified doulas and traditional midwives do not count towards 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 a 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