Bill > HB2002

This bill amends the Kansas Lay Caregiver Act to require the Department of Health and Environment to verify and audit hospital compliance with the act's existing provisions, which already mandate that hospitals provide opportunities for patients to designate a caregiver during their hospital stay and discharge process. Specifically, beginning in 2026, the department must conduct annual audits of hospitals' adherence to the act's requirements, such as allowing patients to designate a caregiver, notifying designated caregivers about patient discharge, providing discharge instructions, and educating caregivers about patient aftercare needs. The department will be required to compile these audit results and report them annually by January 31st to the House Standing Committee on Health and Human Services and the Senate Standing Committee on Public Health and Welfare. The bill clarifies that this audit process does not create new legal obligations for hospitals beyond the existing act, does not establish a private right of action, and does not alter healthcare decision-making authority or insurance coverage requirements. The amendment aims to ensure systematic review and reporting of how hospitals implement the Lay Caregiver Act's provisions to support patients and their designated caregivers during hospital transitions.

Health and Social Services

Legislative Post Audit

https://kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/hb2002/