H.2029 An Act Regarding Notification of Patient Observations Status 

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More and more patients are being placed on “observation status” in the hospital. Observation status means that a hospital patient is classified as an “outpatient” even though he/she may spend days and nights in the hospital bed receiving medical care, tests, and treatment. Hospital “observation status” is a growing problem for Medicare patients. Medicare beneficiaries are shocked to find out they are responsible for much higher costs. In addition, not being admitted to the hospital means Medicare Part A would not cover the cost of follow-up rehab in a nursing home leaving elders with huge bills. An Act Regarding Notification of Patient Observation will require hospitals to give notice to patients placed under observation during their hospital stay allowing individuals (especially those on Medicare) to begin their right to appeal.

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Read the bill here.