Right established for patient or resident to choose to have support person present while receiving care or services.
Impact
The enactment of HF666 is designed to bolster the autonomy of patients in Minnesota, allowing them to make more personal choices regarding their care environment. By ensuring that individuals can choose who supports them during their treatment, the bill aims to improve patient satisfaction and outcomes. Furthermore, it necessitates that healthcare facilities adjust their visitation policies to comply with the requirements of the bill, potentially leading to broader reforms in patient care standards across the state.
Summary
House File 666, also known as the 'No Patient Left Alone Act,' establishes a legal right for patients and residents in health care settings to have a support person of their choice present during the provision of care services. The bill defines several roles for support persons, ranging from family members to clergy, and mandates that healthcare providers must create written policies to inform about these rights. This legislation aims to enhance emotional and physical support for patients, particularly critical for individuals undergoing medical procedures or those in end-of-life situations.
Contention
There may be points of contention regarding the balance of patient rights and the operational capabilities of healthcare facilities. Some critics might argue about the logistical challenges this could impose, especially in situations involving emergency care or in environments with infection-control measures. In addition, healthcare providers may express concerns regarding liability issues that arise from accommodating support persons, including the responsibilities to ensure safety and comfort. The bill stipulates penalties for providers who violate the provisions, which may contribute to the debate on how such laws are enforced.
Rights and protections for residents of certain long-term care settings modification; rights and protections for clients receiving home care services and rights and protections for home and community-based services recipients
Rights and protections for residents of certain long-term care settings modified, rights and protections for clients receiving home care services and clients receiving home and community-based services modified, arbitration provisions prohibited, notices required, civil actions authorized, and money appropriated.