NC S437

Amends G.S. 131E-90 to prohibit hospitals from treating a patient's refusal to leave as trespass if the patient is exercising applicable grievance or appeal rights under G.S. 131E-90.1.

Requires hospitals to provide each patient or their next of kin with a detailed statement of discharge and transfer rights at the time of admission.

Mandates discharge notifications include information about the patient's right to five days' advance written notice before transfer or discharge (except for medical emergencies, non-payment, or Medicare/Medicaid mandates).

Requires hospitals to inform patients of their right to file complaints with the Division of Health Service Regulation and provide contact information for doing so.

For Medicare beneficiaries, hospitals must explain Medicare discharge rights, the grievance and appeal process for premature discharge, how to contact the Quality Improvement Organization, and that patients are not responsible for payment during pending grievances or appeals (except co-pays and deductibles).

Becomes effective October 1, 2017.