This bill amends Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 144.551, subdivision 1, to provide exceptions to the current moratorium on hospital construction and modification. The existing law restricts various types of construction or modifications that would increase hospital bed capacity or establish new hospitals. However, the bill introduces several specific exceptions, including the addition of up to 85 licensed beds in an existing safety net, level 1 trauma center hospital in Ramsey County, and the relocation of up to 26 licensed long-term acute care hospital beds to a dedicated space on the campus of an existing safety net hospital, provided that both projects are deemed to be in the public interest after a review.

Additionally, the bill clarifies that the relocated beds must continue to function as long-term acute care hospital beds after the move. The new legal language inserted into the statute emphasizes the importance of public interest reviews for these projects, ensuring that any changes to hospital capacity align with the healthcare needs of the community. The bill aims to address the growing demand for healthcare services while maintaining regulatory oversight to protect public health interests.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 144.551