Relates to the implementation and use of a mandatory universal transfer form

BILL NUMBER:S3844

Title of bill

An act to amend the public health law, in relation to the implementation and use of a mandatory universal transfer form

Purpose or general idea of bill

To ensure effective health care accurate and timely information regarding vital information about a patient's identifying information, language abilities, health condition, medications taken, and any other information pertaining to health history must travel with a patient when being transferred to another health care facility or program. This bill will create a universal transform form to record all relevant health history to be used when a patient is transferred to another health care facility or program.

Summary of specific provisions

This bill would add a new section to the public health law by adding a new section 2995-e that establishes what information must be included in the universal transfer form that will be used whenever a patient is transferred to another licensed healthcare facility or program.

Justification

When a nursing home patient is transported to a hospital or a patient returns to an assisted living facility, a real time clinical record-including vital signs, diagnosis, medications, allergies and respiratory needs-is needed to travel with that patient in order to assure that effective continuity of care is maintained. This bill will create a Universal Transfer Form that will allow health care staff to begin caring for a patient upon arrival, improving patient care, reducing medical errors and streamlining the admission process.

Prior legislative history

None

Fiscal implications

To be determined.

Effective date

The ninetieth day after it shall have become law with provisions.