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 section defines key terms such as "aftercare," "caregiver," "discharge," and "patient," and outlines the responsibilities of hospitals in relation to caregivers. Hospitals must provide patients or their legal guardians the opportunity to designate a caregiver upon admission and must notify the caregiver about the patient's discharge or transfer. The bill clarifies that caregivers do not have the authority to make healthcare decisions on behalf of patients and does not create a private right of action against hospitals or caregivers.

Additionally, the bill repeals the existing section of K.S.A. 65-431a, indicating a significant update to the law. The new provisions emphasize the importance of caregiver involvement in post-discharge care while ensuring that hospitals are held accountable for compliance through regular audits. The changes aim to enhance patient care and support for caregivers without imposing additional legal liabilities on healthcare providers.

Statutes affected:
As introduced: 65-431a