Minnesota Department of Health review of hospital campus closures or changes in operation establishment

SF 3787 requires Minnesota hospitals to obtain prior approval from the Minnesota Department of Health before making major operational changes, such as moving services to another hospital campus, stopping critical services (like operating rooms, intensive care, or pediatric overnight care), or reducing services in ways that force patient relocations. The law applies specifically to acute care hospitals licensed under Minnesota Statutes, chapter 144, and mandates a public interest review process similar to the existing review for hospital closures. Exceptions include hospital insolvency or natural disasters (e.g., floods, tornadoes). This bill directly affects hospital operations by requiring state oversight before significant service changes take effect.