Requires hospitals to have a notary on staff all hours of the day and week.
Impact
The introduction of this bill is expected to enhance patient rights and empower individuals to manage their healthcare decisions more effectively. With a notary public on staff around the clock, patients will have better access to necessary legal services, which can be vital during serious health situations. This accessibility can help ensure that patients can communicate their wishes regarding their healthcare without delay, potentially preventing misunderstandings and implementing their decisions promptly.
Summary
Bill S0682, titled 'Relating to Health and Safety - Health Care Power of Attorney', mandates that all hospitals in Rhode Island must have a notary public available 24/7. This requirement aims to facilitate the notarization of critical healthcare and legal documents for patients, including advance directives, powers of attorney, and wills. By ensuring that notary services are readily accessible in hospitals, the bill aims to streamline the processing of essential legal documents during hospitalizations.
Contention
While the bill appears to offer significant benefits by improving legal access in healthcare settings, discussions around its implementation may raise concerns regarding the cost implications for hospitals in hiring and maintaining notary services. Some stakeholders might argue that the financial burden could be substantial, particularly for smaller healthcare facilities. Furthermore, there could be debates about the necessity of having a notary available on-site at all times, with some advocating for alternative solutions that could provide similar services without the administrative cost.
Requires hospitals to screen uninsured patients for public assistance and creates a pilot program for out of hospital service upon expiration of similar federal program.
Requires that the department of human services and the department of behavioral healthcare, developmental disabilities and hospitals provide forecasted costs reflecting the recommended rate review on a monthly basis.
Requires that the department of human services and the department of behavioral healthcare, developmental disabilities and hospitals provide forecasted costs reflecting the recommended rate review on a monthly basis.
Allows the healthcare facility to conduct human-subject research on patients subject to 21 C.F.R. Pt 50 and/or 45 C.F.R. Pt 46 (relating to the informed consent of human subjects).
Allows the healthcare facility to conduct human-subject research on patients subject to 21 C.F.R. Pt 50 and/or 45 C.F.R. Pt 46 (relating to the informed consent of human subjects).
Establishes "workplace readiness week". It requires all public high schools, including charter schools, to annually observe that week by providing information to students on their rights as workers and specifies the topics that must be covered.
Establishes "workplace readiness week". It requires all public high schools, including charter schools, to annually observe that week by providing information to students on their rights as workers and specifies the topics that must be covered.
Repeals a 2021 law that mandated minimum staffing levels and standards for quality care for nursing homes and their residents with violations subject to monetary penalties.