N.Y. Public Health Law § 2805-w: Patient notice of observation services

§ 2805-w. Patient notice of observation services. 1. Every general

hospital shall provide patients who are placed into observation services

by such general hospital with an oral and written notice within

twenty-four hours of such placement that the patient is not admitted to

the hospital and is under observation status. Such written notice shall

be signed by the patient or the patient's legal representative to

acknowledge receipt and shall include, but not be limited to, the

following information:

(a) a statement that observation status may affect the patient's

Medicare, Medicaid and/or private insurance coverage for the current

hospital services, including medications and other pharmaceutical

supplies, as well as coverage for any subsequent discharge to a skilled

nursing facility or home and community based care; and

(b) that the patient should contact his or her insurance plan to

better understand the implications of being placed in observation

status.

2. The commissioner shall develop and make available guidance on the

notice as described in this section.