Bill > S1159

This bill requires hospitals to provide patients with both oral and written notification within 24 hours of being placed in either inpatient or observation status, unless the patient is discharged sooner. This notification must clearly state whether the patient is considered an inpatient or in observation status, and importantly, inform the patient that observation status could impact their coverage through Medicare, Medicaid, or private insurance for hospital services and subsequent skilled nursing facility care. The bill also advises patients to contact their insurance provider to fully understand the consequences of observation status, and mandates that the written notice be signed and dated by the patient or their authorized representative, with the Department of Public Health responsible for creating regulations to enforce these requirements.