§ 19-349.1. Notice of outpatient status, billing implications, and impact of status

   (a) In general. -- A hospital shall provide oral and written notice to a patient of the patient's outpatient status, the billing implications of the outpatient status, and the impact of the outpatient status on the patient's eligibility for Medicare rehabilitation services if:

   (1) The patient receives on-site services from the hospital for more than 23 consecutive hours;

   (2) The on-site services received by the patient include a hospital bed and meals that have been provided in an area of the hospital other than the emergency room; and

   (3) The patient is classified as an outpatient at the hospital for observation rather than an admitted inpatient.

(b) Regulations. -- The Department, in consultation with hospitals in the State, shall adopt by regulation standardized elements to be included in the written notice required under subsection (a) of this section.

HISTORY: 2013, chs. 202, 203.