SF 406

1st Engrossment - 93rd Legislature (2023 - 2024) Posted on 10/25/2023 09:35am

A bill for an act
relating to health; establishing a right for a pregnant patient to have a designated
support person present while receiving health care; amending Minnesota Statutes
2022, section 144.651, by adding a subdivision.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

Section 1.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 144.651, is amended by adding a subdivision
to read:

new text begin Subd. 10a. new text end

new text begin Designated support person for pregnant patient. new text end

new text begin (a) Subject to paragraph
(c), a health care provider and a health care facility must allow, at a minimum, one designated
support person of a pregnant patient's choosing to be physically present while the patient
is receiving health care services including during a hospital stay.
new text end

new text begin (b) For purposes of this subdivision, "designated support person" means any person
chosen by the patient to provide comfort to the patient including but not limited to the
patient's spouse, partner, family member, or another person related by affinity. Certified
doulas and traditional midwives may not be counted toward the limit of one designated
support person.
new text end

new text begin (c) Notwithstanding paragraph (a), a facility may restrict or prohibit the presence of one
or more designated support persons, on the facility premises or in certain locations within
the facility, if the facility determines that such restriction or prohibition is necessary to meet
the appropriate standard of care for medical practice, is in the best interests of the patient's
care or patient's safety, or is otherwise necessary to maintain a safe environment for patients,
guests, clinicians, and other staff of the facility. Any restriction or prohibition of a designated
support person by the facility is subject to the facility's written internal grievance procedure
required under subdivision 20.
new text end