PAIN MANAGEMENT - H.B. 5259 (S-1): FLOOR ANALYSIS
House Bill 5259 (Substitute S-1 as reported)
Sponsor: Representative Gary Woronchak
House Committee: Health Policy
Senate Committee: Health Policy
CONTENT
The bill would amend Part 201 of Article 17 of the Public Health Code, which prescribes general regulations for health care facilities and agencies, to require the rights and responsibilities policy adopted by a facility or agency to include the following: "A patient or resident is entitled to adequate and appropriate pain and symptom management as a basic and essential element of his or her medical treatment."
Part 201 requires a licensed health facility or agency that provides services directly to patients or residents to adopt a policy describing the rights and responsibilities of patients or residents. The policy must be posted in a public place and must include provisions regarding 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.
In addition, the bill would require that the attending physician document a patient's discharge or orderly transfer to another facility. (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: 12-10-01 - Fiscal Analyst: J. Walker
floor\hb5259 (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.