NC H269

Requires each licensed hospital to provide patients or their legal guardians with at least one opportunity to designate a caregiver prior to discharge, with the option to decline or change the designation at any time

Hospitals must request written consent from patients to release medical information to designated caregivers in compliance with established health information release procedures and applicable state and federal laws

Hospitals must make a good-faith effort to notify designated caregivers of patient discharge or transfer as soon as possible prior to discharge and consult with patients and caregivers regarding aftercare needs and provide instruction in aftercare tasks

Designating a caregiver does not obligate any individual to perform aftercare tasks, and hospitals are not liable for services rendered or not rendered by designated caregivers after discharge

The act becomes effective January 1, 2020, and applies to hospital admissions occurring on and after that date