New Hospital Law Helps Caregivers

California hospitals working with caregivers

Most of us know of at least one family caregiver whose loved one has required hospital care. While there they receive medical attention from those who are trained to administer it.

But what happens when the hospital stay is over and the loved one has to go home to a caregiver who has not been briefed beyond receiving a handful of ‘helpful tips’ about what to do next or what to expect?

This dilemma has been front and center for California lawmakers. The Legislature recently passed Senate Bill 675, establishing The California Hospital & Family Caregiver Law. It requires hospitals to include caregivers in both their patient’s hospital care and their at home care wherever and whenever possible.

The legislation’s author State Sen. Carol Liu (D-La Cañada Flintridge) noted that this law was the result of concerns expressed by constituents that caregivers did not have the information they needed to help dependent adult family members once they were released from the hospital.

This new law , drafted with the assistance of AARP and the California Hospital Association, means that patients admitted to a hospital can now designate a caregiver and that info will be placed on their medical charts.

It also means that hospitals must now inform the caregiver of discharge plans.

Caregivers can expect to be informed upon the patient’s discharge from the medical facility of the patient’s needs. This includes counseling about medications and, where appropriate, some training about how to clean wounds and move a disabled loved one from a wheelchair to a commode or bed.

In some instances the caregiver can also help to arrange follow-up with a health care provider shortly after their loved one has been discharged.

Should longer-term care is required, hospitals under this law must provide information on community resources that can help with referrals.

The situation is a win-win for hospitals, too. As it allows for greater opportunities for a more complete medical rehabilitation.

And this is exactly what caregivers want for their loved ones.

You can download a wallet card that spells out your rights under this new by clicking here.