News Release
CORRECTION: An earlier version of this release should have clarified that HF 3522 only allows the commissioner to temporarily close a veterans home after a CMS involuntary termination notice. It also makes clear that permanent closure still requires authorization by the Legislature
Rep. Duran Bill Protecting Veterans Home Residents Passes Minnesota House
St. Paul — The Minnesota House today passed HF 3522, legislation authored by State Representative Bidal Duran, R-Bemidji, to ensure the state can act quickly if a veterans home becomes unsafe for residents or is forced into temporary closure by federal regulators.
Under current law, the commissioner of veterans affairs cannot permanently close a veterans home unless the Legislature specifically authorizes it. HF 3522 maintains that requirement, while allowing the commissioner to temporarily close a facility when necessary after receiving an involuntary termination notice from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
The bill was amended on the House floor to clarify that this authority is temporary only. Permanent closure would still require action by the Legislature.
“This bill is about protecting veterans without unnecessary delay,” Duran said. “If a veterans home becomes unsafe, the state needs to be able to act quickly, temporarily close the facility, and make sure every resident is transferred safely and respectfully. At the same time, this bill makes clear that permanent closure of a veterans home still belongs with the Legislature.”
HF 3522 requires every resident to be safely transferred, relocated, or discharged before a temporary closure, with notice provided to the governor and legislative leaders.
The bill now awaits action in the Senate.
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News Release
Rep. Duran Bill Protecting Veterans Home Residents Passes Minnesota House
St. Paul — The Minnesota House passed House File 3522, legislation authored by Representative Bidal Duran, R-Bemidji, to ensure the state can act quickly if a veterans home becomes unsafe for residents or is forced toward closure by federal regulators.
Under current law, the commissioner of veterans affairs cannot close a veterans home unless the Legislature specifically authorizes it. If a facility were to fall into serious disrepair or become unsafe while the Legislature is not in session, the governor could be forced to call a special session before residents could be safely moved.
“This bill is about making sure our veterans are protected without unnecessary delay,” Duran said. “If a veterans home becomes unsafe, the state needs to be able to act quickly and make sure every resident is transferred safely and respectfully.”
HF 3522 allows the commissioner to close a veterans home after receiving an involuntary termination notice from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. It also requires that every resident be safely transferred, relocated, or discharged before closure, with notice provided to the governor and legislative leaders.
The bill now awaits action in the Senate.
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