The bill amends the Public Health Code to enhance the rights and responsibilities of patients and residents in health facilities and agencies. It requires these facilities to adopt and publicly post a policy that outlines patient rights, ensuring that care is not denied based on discriminatory factors, and affirming patients' rights to access their medical records, privacy, and informed consent. The bill also introduces specific provisions for nursing homes and homes for the aged, such as allowing private communication with chosen individuals, retaining personal belongings, and receiving adequate nutrition. Patients must be informed of their rights upon admission, and these rights can be exercised by a designated representative if the patient is deemed incompetent.

Additionally, the bill updates regulations for hospitals, particularly for patients giving birth, by mandating the provision of forms to designate a representative at admission and allowing the presence of a partner or spouse and a doula during the stay. It outlines the hospital's responsibilities regarding informed consent and care transfer, while also permitting limitations on visitors during public health emergencies. The bill includes definitions for key terms and expands the definition of "sex" in non-discrimination clauses to encompass pregnancy and lactating status. Overall, the bill aims to modernize patient rights and care standards while ensuring inclusivity and clarity in legal language.

Statutes affected:
Senate Introduced Bill: 333.20201, 333.21513