1.1 	A bill for an act
1.2 	relating to health; establishing a right for a pregnant patient to have a designated 
1.3 	support person present while receiving health care;amending Minnesota Statutes 
1.4 	2022, section 144.651, by adding a subdivision.
1.5 	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

1.6 	Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 144.651, is amended by adding a subdivision 
1.7 	to read:
1.8 		Subd. 10a.Designated support person for pregnant patient. (a) Subject to paragraph 
1.9 	(c), a health care provider and a health care facility must allow, at a minimum, one designated 
1.10 	support person of a pregnant patient's choosing to be physically present while the patient 
1.11 	is receiving health care services including during a hospital stay.
1.12 	(b) For purposes of this subdivision, "designated support person" means any person 
1.13 	chosen by the patient to provide comfort to the patient including but not limited to the 
1.14 	patient's spouse, partner, family member, or another person related by affinity. Certified 
1.15 	doulas and traditional midwives may not be counted toward the limit of one designated 
1.16 	support person.
1.17 	(c) Notwithstanding paragraph (a), a facility may restrict or prohibit the presence of one 
1.18 	or more designated support persons, on the facility premises or in certain locations within 
1.19 	the facility, if the facility determines that such restriction or prohibition is necessary to meet 
1.20 	the appropriate standard of care for medical practice, is in the best interests of the patient's 
1.21 	care or patient's safety, or is otherwise necessary to maintain a safe environment for patients, 
1.22 	guests, clinicians, and other staff of the facility. Any restriction or prohibition of a designated 
2.1 	support person by the facility is subject to the facility's written internal grievance procedure 
2.2 	required under subdivision 20.