R432-100-12. Patient Designated Caregiver

  (1) The hospital shall give a patient admitted to the hospital the opportunity to designate a caregiver who will assist the patient with continuing care after discharge from the hospital.

  (a) A caregiver is an individual designated by an inpatient of the hospital to assist with continuing care that can be given in the patient's residence after discharge;

  (b) The hospital shall document the designated caregiver in the patient record and include contact information; and

  (c) If the patient declines to designate a caregiver, the hospital shall document the patient's choice in the medical record.

  (2) The hospital shall notify the designated caregiver as soon as practicable before any of the following circumstances occur:

  (a) The patient is transferred to another health facility;

  (b) The patient is discharged back to their own residence.

  (3) If the hospital is unable to contact the designated caregiver when changes occur, the lack of contact shall not interfere with, delay or otherwise affect the medical care provided to the patient or the transfer or discharge of the patient.

  (4) The hospital shall document any attempt to contact the designated caregiver in the patient record, to include dates and times attempted.

  (5) The patient may give written consent to allow the hospital to release medical information to the designated caregiver, pursuant to the hospital's established procedures for the release of personal health information.

  (6) Prior to the patient being discharged, the hospital shall provide a written discharge plan for continuing care needs to the patient and designated caregiver, which shall include:

  (a) The name and contact information of the designated caregiver and relation to the patient;

  (b) A description of continuing care tasks that the patient requires, in a culturally competent manner; and

  (c) Contact information for any other health care resources necessary to meet the needs of the patient.

  (7) Prior to the patient being discharged, the hospital shall provide the designated caregiver with an opportunity for instruction in continuing care tasks outlined in the discharge plan, which shall include:

  (a) Demonstration of the continuing care tasks by hospital personnel; and

  (b) Opportunity for the patient and designated caregiver to ask questions and receive answers regarding the continuing care tasks; and

  (c) Education and counseling about medications, including dosing and proper use of delivery devices.

  (8) The hospital shall document the instruction given to the patient and designated caregiver in the patient record, to include the date, time and contents of the instructions.