SB 72 Summary

• Hospitals must assess a patient's ability for self-care after discharge and provide the opportunity to designate a caregiver to provide aftercare in a private residence.

• Hospitals shall give patients and designated caregivers the opportunity to participate in discharge planning and must provide necessary instruction and training for the caregiver to perform medical and nursing aftercare.

• Hospitals must notify designated caregivers of patient discharge or transfer and adopt written discharge policies documenting the caregiver's identity and discharge plan details.

• The law does not create liability for hospitals, employees, or contractors for actions taken under these provisions and does not interfere with advance health care directives or legal guardianship authority.

• Effective date: January 1, 2017.