Minnesota’s Larry’s Law tightens emergency care rules in assisted living

Minnesota enacted Larry’s Law after the death of assisted living resident Larry Thompson raised concerns about “no lift” and “no touch” policies that can delay hands-on help in emergencies. The new law requires facilities to plan for prompt resident assistance while emergency responders are on the way, with compliance due by Aug. 1, 2027.

Why it matters: - Larry’s Law sets a new baseline for emergency response in Minnesota assisted living facilities. - The law aims to prevent situations where a resident in immediate distress is left without hands-on help before paramedics arrive. - The reform has real-world implications for resident safety, staff training and facility liability.

What happened: - Gov. Tim Walz signed Larry’s Law on May 18, 2026. - The bipartisan measure requires Minnesota assisted living facilities to establish plans for staff to promptly attend to a resident’s needs during a medical emergency until emergency personnel arrive. - The law was prompted by the death of Larry Thompson, a 79-year-old assisted living resident in Golden Valley. - Thompson became trapped between his motorized scooter and a wall inside his facility. - Staff did not physically intervene under a “no lift” or “no touch” policy, according to findings referenced in public reporting and the Minnesota Department of Health’s investigation. - Thompson died as a result. - Attorney Randy Knutson of Knutson + Casey in Mankato handled the wrongful death claim on behalf of Thompson’s heirs. - The claim was resolved confidentially before trial.

The details: - The law is widely understood as a response to “no lift” policies that had, in some cases, been interpreted to bar staff from physically helping residents who were injured, trapped or unable to move safely. - The statute makes clear that assisted living facilities must be prepared to respond when a resident’s safety is at immediate risk. - Facilities have until Aug. 1, 2027, to put compliant emergency-response plans in place. - The new requirements do not eliminate employee safety concerns or training needs. - The law instead requires facilities to balance worker safety with the duty to provide timely help to residents in crisis. - Thompson’s death was captured on video, with staff watching him slowly suffocate.

Between the lines: - The case exposed a gap between written policy and on-the-ground emergency care. - A plan on paper is not enough if staff are unsure when they can act or lack the training and support to do so. - The reform also gives families a clearer standard for asking how a facility responds when a resident falls, becomes trapped or cannot move independently. - Knutson said Thompson’s death brought public attention to what should happen when a resident needs physical help before emergency responders arrive. - Knutson also said the family’s push for accountability helped bring a dangerous gap in resident protection to light and contributed to statewide reform.

What families should ask: - What happens if a resident falls, becomes trapped or cannot move independently? - When may staff physically assist a resident? - How are employees trained to respond before paramedics arrive? - Is there enough staffing and equipment to handle emergencies safely? - How does the facility communicate with family members after an incident?

What’s next: - Minnesota assisted living facilities must build and implement emergency-response plans by Aug. 1, 2027. - Care providers are expected to review whether existing policies support immediate aid in an emergency. - Families are likely to press facilities for clearer answers about response protocols and staff authority.

The bottom line: - Larry’s Law turns a tragic case into a statewide mandate for faster, more humane emergency care in assisted living.