PATIENT PAIN & SYMPTOM MANAGEMENT - S.B. 664 (S-1): FLOOR ANALYSIS
Senate Bill 664 (Substitute S-1 as reported)
Sponsor: Senator Bev Hammerstrom
Committee: Health Policy
CONTENT
The bill would amend the Public Health Code to add a provision to the patient bill of rights stating that a patient or resident would be entitled to adequate and appropriate pain and symptom management, as a basic and essential element of his or her medical treatment.
Currently, all health facilities are required to post, in a public place, a policy describing the rights and responsibilities of patients or residents admitted to the health facility or agency. The rights include the right to appropriate care, regardless of race, religion, disability, etc.; the right to information about their medical condition and treatment; confidential treatment of personal and medical records; freedom from mental or physical abuse; and the right to refuse treatment, among others. In the case of a nursing home patient, these rights can be exercised by the patient's representative.
Further, the bill would require the attending physician at a nursing home or home for the aged to document patient discharge and transfers. Currently, this documentation is required, but the personnel who must complete it is not specified.
MCL 333.20201 - Legislative Analyst: C. Layman
FISCAL IMPACT
The bill would have no fiscal impact on State or local government.
Date Completed: 10-29-01 - Fiscal Analyst: J. Walker
floor\sb664 (S-1) - Analysis available @ http://www.michiganlegislature.org
This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan Senate staff for use by the Senate in its deliberations and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.