This bill proposes extensive changes to health and licensing provisions in Minnesota, including the renaming of the "Higher Education Facilities Authority" to the "Health and Education Facilities Authority" and increasing its bonding capacity from $2 billion to $5 billion. Key amendments include a new requirement for informed consent for sensitive examinations on anesthetized or unconscious patients, with disciplinary actions for violations. The bill also updates laboratory accreditation processes, evaluates child sex trafficking prevention programs, and clarifies the definition of "safe places" for newborns, enhancing legal protections for individuals involved in the safe relinquishment of newborns.

Additionally, the bill expands the scope of practice for optometrists, allowing them to administer local anesthesia and inject Botulinum toxin for cosmetic purposes, contingent on board approval. It introduces new definitions for "health care organizations" and "participating institutions," enabling them to engage in financing and construction projects. The authority's financial activities will not be subject to oversight by other state agencies, and it is required to submit an annual report of its activities. Overall, the bill aims to improve health policy and regulatory frameworks while ensuring the protection of vulnerable populations and facilitating financing for health care facilities.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 144.98
1st Engrossment: 136A.29, 144.98, 144E.123, 145.4718, 145.901, 145.902, 147A.02, 148.56, 3.732, 10A.01, 136A.25, 136A.26, 136A.27, 136A.28, 136A.32, 136A.33, 136A.34, 136A.36, 136A.38, 136A.41, 136A.42, 136F.67, 354B.20
2nd Engrossment: 144.98, 144E.123, 145.4718, 145.901, 145.902, 147A.02, 148.56, 3.732, 10A.01, 136A.25, 136A.26, 136A.27, 136A.28, 136A.29, 136A.32, 136A.33, 136A.34, 136A.36, 136A.38, 136A.41, 136A.42, 136F.67, 354B.20