‘Patient Dumping’ Controversy Prompts New Law That Requires Hospitals To Develop Safe Discharge Policies
The issue of patient dumping -- discharging homeless patients who have nowhere to go -- grabbed local and national headlines recently sparking a new focus on the practice. The law does not carry specific penalties, but hospitals that violate the law could face repercussions from the state Department of Public Health and the federal government.
Sacramento Bee:
Homeless Patients Were Left On The Streets By Hospitals. This Law Could End ‘Dumping’
Spurred by news stories about hospitals “dumping” poor people onto the streets, a new law will soon require health care providers to develop specific policies for safely discharging homeless patients. Beginning in July, hospitals must document in writing that shelters have beds for homeless patients before sending them to the facilities. (Hubert, 10/9)