The House Human Services Committee of the North Dakota State Legislature convened on March 11, 2025, to discuss significant updates to the North Dakota resident rights law, which are encapsulated in Senate Bill 2070. The meeting focused on proposed amendments aimed at enhancing the rights of residents in long-term care facilities, including skilled nursing homes, assisted living, and basic care settings.

The session began with a presentation by Carla Bachman, who outlined the rationale behind the bill. Over the past months, four stakeholder meetings were conducted, involving long-term care providers, family members, and residents. The feedback gathered indicated strong support for the proposed updates to the North Dakota Century Code, specifically section 50-10.2.

Key amendments discussed included the introduction of definitions for "authorized electronic monitoring" and "virtual monitoring," which aim to clarify the distinction between devices used for communication and those used for recording within residents' homes. The bill also seeks to enhance residents' rights to participate in community activities and to have private visits with partners and significant others, alongside spouses.

Further amendments proposed to clarify the responsibilities of facilities in executing resident rights. For instance, the bill emphasizes the right of residents to use personal possessions while ensuring that such rights do not infringe on the health and safety of others. Additionally, the legislation introduces provisions to protect residents from retaliation and mandates timely notification to residents and their representatives regarding changes to resident rights.

The committee also addressed concerns raised by the North Dakota Long Term Care Association regarding the applicability of certain provisions across different care settings. The association expressed support for the bill, highlighting the need for adjustments to ensure that regulations are practical and appropriate for various types of facilities.

The meeting concluded with testimonies from various stakeholders, including social workers and representatives from long-term care facilities, who voiced their support for the bill while emphasizing the importance of collaboration in refining the proposed changes. The committee members engaged in discussions to clarify the implications of the bill and its alignment with existing federal regulations.

Overall, the meeting underscored a collective commitment to enhancing resident rights in North Dakota's long-term care facilities, with the expectation that the proposed amendments will lead to improved outcomes for residents across the state. The committee plans to continue reviewing the bill and its implications in future sessions.