Originally published: . Volume 12, No. 7. Source pages: 8.
The Governor has signed HB 79, a measure to provide for the selection of a treatment facility by a patient and the protection of a patient's right to receive treatment. Current law provides that a treatment facility shall be selected in the following order of priority:(1) Medical suitability. (2) Least restriction of the person's liberty. (3) Nearness to the patient's usual residence.(4) Financial or other status of the patient. The new law retains present law and adds that in the selection of the treatment facility a patient's preference shall be the fifth consideration. Present law provides that a patient may be admitted by an emergency certificate to be diagnosed and treated. The new law adds that the emergency certificate shall allow legal authority for a patient to be transported to a treatment facility pursuant to present law and the transport shall be in line with the patient's rights to receive care.
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