The bill amends the Kansas Lay Caregiver Act, requiring the Department of Health and Environment to audit hospitals for compliance with the act and report the findings to the legislature annually starting in 2026. The amended language clarifies definitions related to caregivers, aftercare, and patient discharge, ensuring that hospitals provide patients or their legal guardians the opportunity to designate a caregiver upon admission. It also stipulates that hospitals must notify designated caregivers about patient discharges and provide them with necessary aftercare instructions, while ensuring that the lack of contact with a caregiver does not delay patient care.

Additionally, the bill includes provisions that protect hospitals and caregivers from liability and does not grant caregivers the authority to make healthcare decisions on behalf of patients. It repeals the existing section of K.S.A. 65-431a, streamlining the legal framework surrounding caregiver designation and hospital responsibilities. The overall aim of the bill is to enhance patient care and support for caregivers while ensuring compliance and accountability within healthcare facilities.

Statutes affected:
As introduced: 65-431a