1908‑S2 AMH DYER SANC 1

2SHB 1908 ‑ H AMD

By Representative Dyer

     On page 5, line 26, strike all of section 5 and insert

     "NEW SECTION. Sec. 5.  A new section is added to chapter 70.41 RCW:

     Hospitals and acute care facilities shall:

     (1) Work cooperatively with the department of social and health services, area agencies on aging and local long-term care information and assistance organizations in the planning and implementation of patient discharges to long-term care services.

     (2) Establish and maintain a system for discharge planning and designate a person responsible for system management and implementation.

     (3) Establish written policies and procedures to:

     (a) Identify patients needing further nursing, therapy, or supportive care following discharge from the hospital;

     (b) Develop a documented discharge plan for each identified patient, including relevant patient history, specific care requirements and date such follow-up care is to be initiated;

     (c) Coordinate with patient, family, caregiver and appropriate members of the health care team;

     (d) Provide any patient, regardless of income status, written information and verbal consultation regarding the array of long-term care options available in the community, including the relative cost, eligibility criteria, location and contact persons;

     (e) Promote an informed choice of long-term care services on the part of patients, family members and legal representatives;

     (f) Coordinate with the department and specialized case management agencies, including area agencies on aging and other appropriate long-term care providers, as necessary, to ensure timely transition to appropriate home, community residential or nursing facility care.

     (4) Work in cooperation with the department which is responsible for ensuring that patients eligible for medicaid long-term care receive prompt assessment and appropriate service authorization."

EFFECT:  Clarifies the respective responsibilities and relationships of DSHS assessors, hospital discharge planners, and local assistance organizations.