DE SB52

Requires hospitals to provide patients or their agents at least one opportunity to designate a lay caregiver before discharge to a residence and record the designation and contact information in the patient's electronic health record.

Mandates hospitals notify designated lay caregivers of patient discharge as soon as possible and attempt to train them on aftercare tasks through telehealth, telemedicine, or in-person methods.

Defines "lay caregiver" as individuals 18 years or older designated by patients to provide aftercare in residences, including direct support professionals and attendant caregivers.

Limits hospital liability for patient death or injury caused by lay caregiver actions unless the hospital also committed medical negligence, and provides a defense for adequate training provided in accordance with chapter standards.

Requires discharge plans to reflect patient engagement and preferences, educate lay caregivers based on assessed learning needs, and prohibit training from delaying appropriate discharge; effective January 1, 2017.