The bill amends the No Patient Left Alone Act to expand the definition of "healthcare facility" to include outpatient facilities, thereby requiring these facilities to comply with visitation and support person requirements. It specifies that patients with disabilities can designate support persons who must be allowed to be present during their care, including in emergency departments and during hospital stays. The bill also introduces provisions that allow support persons to stay overnight with patients, ensuring that patients have the necessary support during their treatment.

Additionally, the bill establishes penalties for violations of the No Patient Left Alone Act, allowing state agencies to issue warnings and impose civil penalties on healthcare facilities that fail to comply with visitation requirements. A civil penalty of at least $500 per day may be imposed for each violation, which will be deposited into designated funds. The bill also clarifies that outpatient behavioral health services are subject to confidentiality requirements under federal and state laws.

Statutes affected:
Old version HB1509 V2 - 3-6-2023 09:48 AM: 20-6-403(2), 20-6-403, 20-6-404(a)
Old version HB1509 V3 - 3-8-2023 09:49 AM: 20-6-403(2), 20-6-403, 20-6-404(a), 20-6-405, 03-08-2023, 20-6-408, 20-6-410, 25-15-201, 20-6-413(a)
HB 1509: 20-6-403(2), 20-6-403, 20-6-404(a), 20-6-405, 03-08-2023, 20-6-408, 20-6-410, 25-15-201, 20-6-413(a)