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SF 2751

Residents of long-term care facilities right to a designated support person provision

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Jim Abeler and 1 co-sponsor

Minnesota law grants long-term care residents the right to designate a support person for medical decisions and facility activities while prohibiting facility retaliation.

Referred to Health and Human Services
#assistedlivingfacilitiesandnursinghomes #healthandhealthdepartment #hospitalsandhealthcarefacilities
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Bill Summary · SF 2751

Legislative bill overview

SF 2751 establishes the right for residents in long-term care facilities to designate a support person who can accompany them during medical procedures, facility activities, and decision-making processes. The bill ensures this designated person has access to the resident's medical information and can advocate on their behalf, with protections against facility retaliation for exercising these rights.

Why is this important

Long-term care residents, particularly those with cognitive decline or limited family support, are vulnerable to inadequate advocacy and isolation. This bill addresses documented cases where residents lack informed consent oversight or have restricted visitation during critical moments. It potentially improves care quality and resident safety by ensuring consistent oversight and reducing institutional paternalism.

Potential points of contention

  • Facility operational burden: Care facilities may argue the requirement creates staffing challenges, scheduling conflicts, and liability concerns, particularly during medical emergencies or sensitive procedures
  • Privacy and medical decision-making: Questions arise about whether support persons should have decision-making authority or merely advisory roles, and how to handle conflicts between resident preferences and family/facility judgments
  • Undefined scope and enforcement: The bill's specificity on "designated support person" eligibility, facility obligations, and remedies for violations isn't detailed in the introduction, leaving room for inconsistent implementation

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

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