SB1634 - Medical Patient Rights

• Expands patient definition to include medical care for diagnosis or treatment of physical or mental health conditions, whether inpatient or outpatient.

• Establishes new patient rights including courtesy and respect, timely accommodation of basic human needs (water, food, medication, toileting, hygiene), and continuity of care among healthcare disciplines.

• Requires healthcare providers to disclose provider identity, specialty, and contact information, and to provide current information about diagnosis, treatment, alternatives, risks, and prognosis digitally or in writing upon request.

• Mandates hospitals inform patients prior to or at admission of services included in basic daily room rate versus additional charges, and assist patients in determining Medicare or Medical Assistance coverage.

• Requires hospitals to establish written grievance procedures addressing discrimination claims based on race, ethnicity, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, color, or national origin, with patient advocate notification and impartial decision-making.