CLARIFY HOSPITAL PATIENT DISCHARGE RIGHTS.

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View NCGA Bill Details2017-2018 Session
Senate Bill 437 (Public) Filed Tuesday, March 28, 2017
AN ACT CLARIFYING HOSPITAL PATIENT DISCHARGE RIGHTS AND REQUIRING HOSPITALS TO PROVIDE A DETAILED STATEMENT OF PATIENT DISCHARGE RIGHTS AT THE TIME OF ADMISSION.
Intro. by Wade, Tucker.

Status: Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate (Senate Action) (Mar 29 2017)

Bill History:

S 437

Bill Summaries:

  • Summary date: Mar 28 2017 - View Summary

    Enacts new GS 131E-90.1 (Patient discharge rights; detailed statement of rights due upon admission). Directs licensed hospitals to provide to each patient or their next of kin or other legally responsible representative, at admission, a detailed statement of patient rights with respect to transfer and discharge. These rights include (1) the right to information and explanation concerning the need for and alternative to a transfer to another facility, prior to the transfer; (2) 5 days' written notice of a transfer or discharge, with specified exemptions; (3) the right to dispute a transfer or discharge decision with the Division of Health Service Regulation Complaint Intake Unit; and (4) specified listed rights for Medicare beneficiaries. Prohibits licensed hospitals from violating these rights.

    Amends GS 131E-90 (concerning trespass by discharged patients refusing to leave a hospital) to exempt patients exercising any of the applicable grievance or appeal rights described in new GS 131E-90.1 during the pendency of the grievance or appeal. If the final grievance or appeal decision is to discharge the patient and the patient refuses or fails to leave, the patient's refusal to leave constitutes a trespass, and the patient is guilty of a Class 3 misdemeanor.

    Effective October 1, 2017.