Iowa Code § 144F.4: Aftercare assistance instructions to lay caregiver.

1. If a lay caregiver is designated under section 144F.2, as soon as practicable prior to discharge of a patient, a hospital shall attempt to do all of the following:

a. Consult with the patient’s lay caregiver to prepare the lay caregiver for the aftercare assistance the lay caregiver may provide.

b. Issue a discharge plan that describes the aftercare assistance needs of the patient and offer to provide the lay caregiver with instructions for the aftercare assistance tasks described in the discharge plan and the opportunity for the lay caregiver to ask questions regarding such tasks.

2. The inability of a hospital to consult with a patient’s lay caregiver shall not interfere with, delay, or otherwise affect the medical care provided to the patient or the patient’s discharge.