MI SB0446

Grants hospitals with fewer than 100 licensed beds a certificate of need for up to 10 extended care services beds using swing beds if they meet federal Medicare eligibility requirements and demonstrate difficulty placing patients in skilled nursing homes.

Prohibits hospitals from charging patients for stays exceeding the length allowed under Medicare post-hospital extended care coverage and requires all charges to not exceed reasonable charges determined by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Requires hospitals to establish discharge plans emphasizing patient choice for the least restrictive care setting and provide the plan to patients within 3 days of admission to the extended care services program.

Establishes detailed patient rights for extended care services patients including visitation access, personal possessions, medical record access within 7 days, participation in treatment planning, and access to ombudsman representatives.

Prohibits hospitals from discharging, harassing, retaliating against, or discriminating against extended care services patients for exercising their rights and imposes penalties under section 20165 for violations.