Health care providers prohibited from asking patients or residents about firearms or ammunition.

HF 256 prohibits Minnesota health care providers from asking patients or residents about their use, possession, or access to firearms or ammunition. This law directly affects healthcare professionals and facilities across the state, preventing them from collecting this specific information during patient interactions. The key provision amends Minnesota Statutes to add a new restriction (section 144.651, Subd. 16a), making such inquiries by providers or their designees unlawful. The bill takes effect on July 1, 2025, creating a clear policy change in healthcare data collection practices.