SB376 Summary - Alabama Family Caregiver Act

• Requires hospitals to provide patients (or legal guardians) at least one opportunity to designate a family caregiver before or after discharge to their residence.

• Hospitals must record the designated caregiver's name, telephone number, and address in the patient's medical records and make good faith efforts to notify the caregiver of discharge.

• Hospitals must consult with the designated caregiver and patient to develop a discharge care plan, educate the caregiver on aftercare needs, and answer questions about aftercare tasks.

• Designating a caregiver does not obligate that individual to provide aftercare, and caregivers cannot accept compensation for aftercare services.

• Hospitals, employees, and contractors are immune from liability for acts or omissions of designated caregivers, except for gross negligence or willful and wanton misconduct in training the caregiver.