This bill focuses on enhancing health care regulations in Minnesota, particularly concerning the management and documentation of patient restraints in hospitals and assisted living facilities. It introduces new definitions related to restraints, such as "imminent risk" and "prone restraint," and mandates that hospitals document the type, duration, and frequency of restraints used prior to patient discharge. Additionally, it requires hospitals to provide patients with a list of available post-hospital care options and emphasizes the necessity for staff training in emergency manual restraints. The bill also removes references to chapter 144D, streamlining regulations for boarding care homes and updating penalties for violations related to nursing services agencies.

In assisted living facilities, the bill prohibits the use of restraints except in emergencies to prevent imminent harm and mandates comprehensive staff training on manual restraints, including annual refresher courses. It requires documentation of all restraint incidents and timely notification of residents' legal representatives and relevant authorities following such events. Furthermore, the bill addresses ownership changes in home care provider businesses, stipulating that a new license must be obtained before any transfer occurs and outlining the responsibilities of new licensees regarding compliance and outstanding fines. Overall, the legislation aims to improve patient safety, care transitions, and accountability within health care facilities.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 144A.72, 144.56, 144.6502, 144A.161, 157.17, 295.50, 144.586, 144G.08, 144A.472, 144G.19, 144G.31