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Bill

HF 2408

Right of patients and residents to have a support person present when receiving health care services established, and civil penalty established.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Pam Altendorf and 1 co-sponsor

Establishes a right for patients and residents to have a support person present during care, with civil penalties for violations, aiming to improve communication and decision-making

Author added Altendorf
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Bill Summary · HF 2408

Summary of HF 2408 (Minnesota)

What this bill is

  • HF 2408 would establish a right for patients and residents to have a support person present when receiving health care services. It would also authorize civil penalties for violations of this right.
  • The bill is in the Minnesota House and falls under the Health Finance and Policy committee jurisdiction.
  • Status timeline:
    • Introduced: March 17, 2025
    • March 26, 2025: Author added Altendorf

Purpose and intent

  • The core aim is to enhance patient and resident engagement and advocacy by ensuring a support person can be present during health care encounters. This could improve communication, decision-making, and comfort for individuals undergoing care.

Key provisions (as inferred from the title)

  • Establish a statutory right: Patients and residents would be entitled to have a designated support person with them during health care services. The bill would likely define who qualifies as a “support person” (e.g., family member, friend, advocate) and what settings are covered (e.g., hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, home health visits).
  • Civil penalties: The bill would authorize civil penalties for violations of this right by health care providers or facilities. Specific penalty amounts, enforcement mechanisms, and processes (e.g., complaint procedures, remedy timelines) would be defined in the full text.
  • Possible accompanying elements often associated with this type of bill (to monitor):
    • Definitions of key terms (support person, health care services, patient/resident).
    • Exceptions (e.g., emergency situations, safety concerns, patient confidentiality and privacy protections).
    • Procedures for enforcement and remedies beyond penalties (e.g., complaint investigations, corrective actions).

Who would be affected

  • Affected individuals: Patients and residents receiving health care services in Minnesota.
  • Affected entities: Health care providers and facilities (hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, home health agencies) that would need to permit a support person and adhere to the new requirements to avoid penalties.

Procedural and timeline considerations

  • With introduction and referral to Health Finance and Policy, the bill would move through committee hearings, potential amendments, and floor votes. If advanced, it would proceed to the full House for consideration and eventual conference or passage, depending on companion measures and Senate activity.

Potential impacts and considerations

  • Benefits: Greater patient engagement, potential reductions in miscommunication, improved satisfaction and informed decision-making.
  • Considerations: Clarity on who qualifies as a support person, what constitutes “present,” how privacy and safety are managed, cost/administrative impact on facilities, and the specific structure of penalties and enforcement.

What to watch

  • The bill’s precise definitions, scope (settings and encounters), the process for enforcing penalties, and any nuances added through committee amendments. monitor subsequent committee actions and any fiscal notes that may accompany the measure.

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

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