Section 19-380 – Definitions

    (a)    In this part the following words have the meanings indicated.     (b)    (1)    “Aftercare” means any assistance provided by a lay caregiver to a patient after discharge of the patient.         (2)    “Aftercare” includes tasks that are limited to the patient’s condition at the time of discharge that do not require a licensed professional.     (c)    “Discharge” means the exit or release […]

Section 19-381 – Designation of Lay Caregivers

    (a)    A hospital shall provide a patient or the legal guardian of a patient with an opportunity to designate one lay caregiver before discharge of the patient.     (b)    If a patient or the legal guardian of a patient declines to designate a lay caregiver:         (1)    The hospital shall document the decision in the patient’s medical record; and         (2)    The […]

Section 19-382 – Notification of Discharge or Transfer of Patient

    If a patient or the legal guardian of a patient has designated a lay caregiver under § 19–381 of this part, the hospital shall notify the lay caregiver of the discharge of the patient or the transfer of the patient to another hospital or facility licensed by the State as soon as practicable.

Section 19-383 – Consultation With Caregiver Prior to Discharge of Patient

    (a)    As soon as practicable before discharge of a patient, a hospital shall attempt to:         (1)    Consult with the patient’s lay caregiver to prepare the lay caregiver for aftercare; and         (2)    Issue a discharge plan that describes the aftercare needs of the patient.     (b)    The inability of a hospital to consult with a patient’s designated lay caregiver may not […]

Section 19-384 – Discharge Process — Incorporation of Established Practices

    A hospital’s discharge process may incorporate established evidence–based practices, including those described in:         (1)    Standards for accreditation adopted by The Joint Commission or another nationally recognized hospital accreditation organization; and         (2)    The Conditions of Participation for hospitals adopted by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

Section 19-385 – Construction of Part; Funding Not Affected

    (a)    This part may not be construed to:         (1)    Affect the rights of an agent to make health care decisions under Title 5, Subtitle 6 of this article; or         (2)    Create a private right of action against a hospital, a hospital employee, or a duly authorized agent of a hospital, or otherwise supersede or replace existing rights or […]