MN HF3048

Expands hospice patient definition to include individuals 21 years of age or younger diagnosed with a life-threatening illness contributing to shortened life expectancy, in addition to terminally ill patients with less than one year life expectancy.

Modifies hospice services definition to include care during life-threatening illnesses contributing to shortened life expectancy, not just during final stages of terminal illness.

Updates residential hospice facility definition to clarify facilities must be modified to address life safety, accessibility, and care needs.

Adds new definition for respite care as short-term inpatient care in residential hospice facilities to relieve family caregivers on an occasional basis.

Appropriates $5,000 in fiscal year 2017 from state government special revenue fund to commissioner of health for licensure of hospice providers serving patients 21 years of age or younger with life-threatening illnesses.