This bill amends Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 144.551, subdivision 1, to provide an exception 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 new provisions that allow for specific projects to proceed, including the addition of 85 licensed beds in an existing safety net, level I trauma center hospital in Ramsey County, which is designated under section 383A.91, subdivision 5.

Additionally, the bill clarifies the conditions under which certain projects may be exempt from the moratorium, including the relocation of long-term acute care hospital beds and other specific hospital expansions. The new language replaces a previous provision that allowed for the relocation of up to 26 licensed long-term acute care hospital beds, thereby expanding the scope of permissible projects under the moratorium exception. Overall, this legislation aims to address the growing healthcare needs in Minnesota by facilitating the expansion of hospital services while maintaining regulatory oversight.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 144.551
1st Engrossment: 144.551