Senate Bill No. 273, introduced by Senator Abraham, aims to enhance protections for patients receiving hospice care in non-hospice inpatient licensed facilities. The bill establishes legislative intent to ensure that patients, who are among the most medically vulnerable, receive appropriate care and communication among multiple providers. It defines key terms such as "hospice provider" and "facility," and outlines patient rights, including access to comfort-focused care, respectful communication, and clear explanations of care decisions. Additionally, it mandates the creation of a patient-specific written care plan for those enrolled in hospice care, which must be made available to the patient and their family upon request.

The bill also stipulates that facilities must maintain a detailed patient log regarding offers of food and fluid, and it prohibits retaliation against families raising concerns about patient care. In the event of a patient transfer between facilities, the transferring facility is required to notify the hospice provider and the patient's family, providing the current care plan and ensuring a new plan is developed within six hours. The Louisiana Department of Health is tasked with overseeing compliance, conducting complaint surveys, and issuing corrective action plans or administrative penalties as necessary. This legislation is set to take effect on August 1, 2026.