Senate Bill No. 1538 aims to address issues related to emergency department boarding and crowding in hospitals. The bill mandates that the Probate Court Administrator and the Commissioner of Social Services evaluate the feasibility of creating an expedited process for appointing conservators for patients in emergency departments who are unable to consent to their own healthcare. This initiative is intended to ensure timely access to necessary health services for these patients and to alleviate the problem of emergency department crowding. A report detailing the evaluation and any legislative recommendations must be submitted to the Public Health Committee by January 1, 2026.

Additionally, the bill modifies existing requirements for hospitals with emergency departments. It requires these hospitals to analyze specific data annually until 2029, including the number of patients treated, admission times, and delays in transferring patients to inpatient beds. Hospitals must report their findings not only to the Public Health Committee but also to the Commissioners of Public Health and Health Strategy. This dual reporting aims to enhance transparency and accountability in addressing emergency department efficiency and patient care. The bill's effective date is upon passage.

Statutes affected:
PH Joint Favorable Substitute:
File No. 713: