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SF 4418

Certain information access authorization provision, Chapter 144D references removal provision, patient restraints usage documentation requirement provision, and change of ownership provisions modifications

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Melissa Wiklund

The bill would tighten documentation on patient restraints, update information access rules, remove Chapter 144D references, and modify processes for changes of ownership in health

Withdrawn and re-referred to Human Services
#datapracticesandprivacy #healthandhealthdepartment #hospitalsandhealthcarefacilities
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Bill Summary · SF 4418

Summary of Minnesota SF 4418 (2025-2026)

Purpose and Intent

SF 4418 proposes a set of modifications across several health- and human-services related provisions. The bill appears to focus on:
- streamlining or clarifying access to certain information
- removing references to Chapter 144D
- standardizing or tightening documentation for patient restraints
- altering processes related to changes of ownership in applicable facilities or providers

The bill was introduced on March 12, 2026, and was withdrawn and re-referred to the House Human Services committee on March 17, 2026, after an initial referral to Health and Human Services on introduction. Co-sponsor: Melissa Wiklund.

Note: The summary below reflects the provisions described in the bill’s title and related action history. The full text should be consulted for precise language and scope.

Key Provisions and Changes

1) Certain Information Access Authorization Provision

  • Adjusts or creates authorization pathways for access to specific information relevant to patients, providers, or facilities.
  • Likely involves who may request information, what information can be accessed, and any consent or confidentiality safeguards.
  • Possible implications for privacy, data sharing between health care providers, insurers, or state agencies, and oversight requirements.

2) Chapter 144D References Removal Provision

  • Removes or revises references to Chapter 144D within Minnesota statutes as it applies to the bill’s subject matter.
  • Could affect regulatory alignment, cross-references, or the applicability of existing procedures tied to Chapter 144D.
  • Generally aims to reduce confusion or update statutes to reflect current organizational or regulatory structures.

3) Patient Restraints Usage Documentation Requirement Provision

  • Establishes or modifies documentation requirements related to the use of patient restraints.
  • May specify:
    • when restraints may be used (emergency vs. non-emergency scenarios)
    • required medical justification
    • duration and monitoring standards
    • required documentation elements (e.g., time, type of restraint, justification, least restrictive alternative, regular assessment)
    • reporting to oversight bodies or within patient records
  • These provisions are typically driven by patient safety, quality of care, and civil/compliance concerns.

4) Change of Ownership Provisions Modifications

  • Changes to procedures or requirements when there is a change of ownership of a facility or health-care-related entity (e.g., nursing homes, clinics, provider organizations).
  • Possible elements:
    • notifications to state agencies
    • license/permit transfer requirements
    • continuity of care obligations during transition
    • background checks or compliance reviews for new owners
    • safeguarding of patient records and ongoing contracts

Who or What Would Be Affected

  • Patients and residents in facilities affected by restraints and ownership changes, due to documentation and procedural updates.
  • Health care facilities, clinics, and long-term care providers that are subject to restraints policy, ownership transfers, and information access rules.
  • State regulatory and oversight agencies responsible for licensing, data governance, and monitoring of restraints and ownership transitions.
  • Health information exchanges or entities handling patient data if access authorization provisions broaden or constrain information sharing.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Introduction and First Reading: March 12, 2026.
  • Committee Referrals: Initially to Health and Human Services, March 12, 2026; subsequently withdrawn and re-referred to Human Services on March 17, 2026.
  • The bill’s future trajectory will depend on committee deliberations, any amendments, and potential passage or further re-referral within the 2025-2026 session.

Notes and Considerations

  • The exact statutory language is essential to assess the precise scope, especially for information access and restraint documentation, which can have significant privacy, safety, and liability implications.
  • The impact may vary by setting (acute care, long-term care, behavioral health) based on how broadly the restraints documentation and ownership provisions apply.
  • Stakeholders likely include patient advocacy groups, health care providers, facility administrators, and state agencies overseeing health and human services.

For a complete understanding, review the bill’s text and any committee analysis or fiscal notes once available.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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