MN SF4222

Requires hospitals to provide prior oral and written notice to patients within 24 hours of placing them in observation status, including information about how observation status may affect Medicare coverage for hospital services, home care, skilled nursing facility care, and recommendations to contact insurance providers or ombudsman offices.

Permits the state commissioner to suspend, revoke, or refuse to renew a hospital's license if the hospital violates the observation status notice requirements.

Prohibits hospitals from billing or collecting payment from insurers, patients, medical assistance, or MinnesotaCare for hospital services and medications provided during observation status if the hospital fails to provide required notice and obtain patient signature.

Requires hospitals to document in patient records the date notice was provided and obtain patient or designated representative signature on the observation status notice.

Mandates that if a hospital cannot obtain patient signature because the patient cannot communicate and no designated representative is available or identifiable, the hospital must admit the patient for full hospital services rather than place them in observation status.