HF 4479 Summary

• Creates new assisted living facility licensing framework in Minnesota, establishing a comprehensive regulatory system with standards for housing, services, and resident protections effective August 1, 2021

• Establishes four violation levels with corresponding fines ($500-$5,000 per incident) plus enforcement mechanisms; allows immediate fine imposition for Level 3 and 4 violations; creates special compensation fund from maltreatment fines ($1,000-$5,000) for affected residents up to $5,000 per finding

• Provides extensive resident rights protections including contract requirements, grievance procedures, appeal rights for termination, coordinated move assistance upon facility closure or service reduction, and access to ombudsman services

• Requires facilities to meet physical/fire safety standards including State Fire Code compliance, Life Safety Code standards for facilities with 6+ residents, staff training on dementia care, and communicable disease prevention protocols

• Implements transition period for existing housing with services establishments and home care providers to convert to assisted living licensure by August 1, 2021, with prorated license periods and new renewal dates