Bill > S890

This bill requires the health policy commission to conduct a comprehensive study on acute care hospital stays lasting longer than 60 days, analyzing various aspects of these extended hospitalizations. The analysis will gather de-identified, aggregate information about patients with long-term hospital stays, including their medical conditions, diagnoses, insurance coverage, and demographic details. The study will specifically examine barriers to reimbursement related to immigration status, the average length of extended stays, obstacles preventing patients from receiving care in appropriate settings, and hospitals' efforts to safely discharge or transfer patients to suitable post-acute care environments. Additionally, the report will assess the adequacy of existing funding sources for hospital bad debt and propose recommendations to ensure patients receive the most clinically appropriate level of care. The health policy commission must collaborate with several state agencies, including the center for health information and analysis, department of public health, division of health insurance, and division of medical assistance. The final report, which will include any legislative recommendations, must be submitted to the chairs of the joint committee on health care financing and the house and senate committees on ways and means within 180 days of the act's effective date.

Health and Social Services

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S890