Bill would force assisted living homes to help fallen residents

A new bipartisan bill dubbed "Larry’s Law" would overhaul how Minnesota assisted living facilities respond when residents fall, after 79‑year‑old veteran Larry Thompson died last March at Meadow Ridge Senior Living in Golden Valley while staff followed a "no touch" policy and watched him slowly suffocate against a wall. Prompted by FOX 9’s earlier investigation, the legislation would require that at least one worker trained in emergency response be on site 24/7 at assisted living facilities and boost fines for egregious neglect, while forcing homes to be transparent about their fall policies so families can see in writing whether staff are allowed to physically help. The Minnesota Department of Health has already cited Meadow Ridge for neglect and fined it $5,000, criticizing its policy of ordering staff to call 911 and not touch residents after a fall — an approach Minnesota’s long‑term care ombudsman and elder‑advocacy groups say is widespread and inhumane. EMS leaders have warned that these "no lift/no touch" rules are clogging 911 with non‑emergency calls, tying up first responders who should be handling life‑threatening incidents across the metro. The bill has been assigned to the Senate Human Services Committee but has not yet been scheduled for a hearing, setting up a fight with industry lobbyists who argue tougher rules will raise costs even as Twin Cities families demand basic, hands‑on help when loved ones hit the floor.