Researcher: ND Page 1 3/14/23
OLR Bill Analysis
SB 956
AN ACT REQUIRING DISCHARGE STANDARDS REGARDING
FOLLOW-UP APPOINTMENTS AND PRESCRIPTION MEDICATIONS
FOR PATIENTS BEING DISCHARGED FROM A HOSPITAL OR
NURSING HOME FACILITY.
SUMMARY
This bill requires Department of Public Health regulations setting
minimum standards for hospital and nursing home discharge planning
services to require written discharge plans to include (1) the date and
location of each follow-up medical appointment scheduled before the
patient’s discharge and (2) a list of all medications the patient is
currently taking and will take after discharge.
Under existing law, unchanged by the bill, these regulations must
also require (1) written discharge plans made in consultation with the
patient, or the patient’s family or representative, and the patient’s
physician and (2) a procedure to give the patient notice of their
discharge and a copy of their discharge plan before discharge.
Additionally, when a hospital or nursing home discharges a patient
to his or her home, the bill requires the facility to send, orally,
electronically, or in writing, each prescription ordered for the patient
before discharge that they will need after discharge, to the patient’s
pharmacy.
EFFECTIVE DATE: October 1, 2023
COMMITTEE ACTION
Public Health Committee
Joint Favorable
Yea 35 Nay 0 (03/03/2023)