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Legislative News and Views - Rep. Glenn Gruenhagen (R)

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Legislative Update from Rep. Glenn Gruenhagen

Friday, June 14, 2019

Dear Neighbors,

Over the last few years, we’ve seen reports from local media outlets detailing problems related to elder abuse in Minnesota senior-care facilities. After outcry from the public, lawmakers have made it a priority to ensure that much-needed reforms are put in place to protect seniors.

This session, a bipartisan group of lawmakers brought together a coalition of consumer advocates, families, care providers, state officials, and others to craft legislation to protect our seniors and most the vulnerable and to work towards preventing elder abuse.

The bill, House File 90, received near unanimous support in the House passing on a vote of 125-6. It cleared the Senate on a 66-1 vote and was signed into law by Governor Walz earlier this month.

House File 90 includes a package of consumer protections designed to ensure the rights of elderly and vulnerable adults including:

  • Protections for residents against retaliation in nursing homes or assisted living facilities and a clear process for residents to appeal a termination of housing or services
  • Enhancing oversight of the state Office of Health Facility Complaints
  • Funding for the Office of the Ombudsman of Long-Term Care
  • Granting nursing home and assisted living residents the ability to use electronic monitoring devices in their rooms
  • A new task force that will recommend improvements for safety and quality of care in long-term services.
  • The state health department will have oversight and regulatory authority over assisted living facilities and can hand down correction orders and fines to facilities that are not meeting standards.

This piece of legislation is a great first step in making sure our seniors receive the care they deserve. While there is no such thing as a perfect piece of legislation, I am confident that this bill will help seniors and our care facilities.

Staying in Touch

It is an honor to serve you and your family in St. Paul.

As always, please do not hesitate to contact me to share your thoughts, questions, and concerns. I can be reached by phone at 651-296-4229 or via email at rep.glenn.gruenhagen@house.mn.

Have a great weekend,

Glenn