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 from an existing facility in Hennepin County to a new location within a safety net hospital in Ramsey County, 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 inclusion of these exceptions aims to address the growing healthcare needs in Minnesota while maintaining oversight through public interest reviews. The changes reflect a response to the evolving landscape of healthcare demands, particularly in areas with significant patient populations and specialized care requirements.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 144.551