Bill requiring hospitals to notify patients about their admission status advances

Today, Florida Health Care Association applauded the House Health Innovation Subcommittee for passing House Bill 309. A key priority for FHCA this session, this legislation requires hospitals to give advance written and verbal notification to patients about their hospital admission status being classified as inpatient or as outpatient under observation and is an important step in raising attention to a complex and critical issue.

"We are grateful to Rep. Shawn Harrison for sponsoring this legislation and to members of the committee for their bipartisan support of this important issue," said Emmett Reed, FHCA Executive Director. "Many of the residents cared for in skilled nursing centers come from the hospital, often needing rehabilitative or restorative care before they are ready to return home. This legislation will ensure they are properly informed and will help protect them from serious financial burdens."

In testimony, Rep. Harrison noted that "this bill is about transparency and protecting our seniors." Organizations standing in support of the bill included the AARP and the Florida Life Care Resident Association (FLiCRA). 

"Rep. Harrison is to be commended for working with hospital and long term care providers, as well as consumers groups, to ensure beneficiaries understand what is happening to them. We look forward to him developing a bill that all can agree are in the best interest of the patient," said Reed.