Minnesota Senate Bill SF3176

Minnesota 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/30/23
• Refer: 3/30/23

Caption

Minor age 16 or 17 permission to operate certain patient lifts in certain long-term care settings

Impact

The enactment of SF3176 will amend existing labor laws regarding minors' employment in healthcare. By allowing teenagers to operate patient lifts, the bill seeks to expand employment opportunities and help alleviate staffing challenges faced by long-term care facilities. This shift in policy is anticipated to improve operational efficiency, as trained young workers can contribute to patient care in safe and controlled environments, provided they receive the necessary training and demonstrate competency as outlined in the bill.

Summary

Bill SF3176 introduces provisions that allow minors aged 16 and 17 to operate specific types of patient lifts, namely Hoyer lifts and sit-to-stand lifts, in designated long-term care settings such as nursing homes and assisted living facilities. The bill aims to address labor shortages in these care facilities by permitting younger individuals to assist with essential operations involving patient mobility, thereby enhancing workforce participation among minors in health-related environments.

Contention

Notably, the bill has sparked some debate regarding the safety and adequacy of training for young workers. Critics have raised concerns about the implications of entrusting minors with vital patient lifting equipment, suggesting that despite training, the physical demands and responsibilities associated with patient mobility could exceed the capabilities of some youth. Advocates, however, argue for the potential benefits, emphasizing that with appropriate training and oversight by registered nurses, enrollment of minors in this capacity may foster greater interest in healthcare careers while sustainably meeting the demands of the sector.