Louisiana Administrative Code
Title 48 - PUBLIC HEALTH-GENERAL
Part I - General Administration
Subpart 3 - Licensing and Certification
Chapter 93 - Hospitals
Subchapter I - Quality Assessment and Improvement
Section I-9405 - Patient Care Services

1. If a patient has designated an uncompensated caregiver for aftercare, a hospital shall make a good faith attempt to notify the patient's designated caregiver of the patient's discharge to the patient's residence as soon as possible prior to the patient's discharge. If the hospital is unable to contact the designated caregiver, the lack of contact may not interfere with, delay or otherwise affect the medical care provided to the patient, or an appropriate discharge of the patient.

2. As soon as practicable prior to the patient's discharge, the hospital shall make a reasonable effort to consult with the designated caregiver along with the patient, taking into account the capabilities and limitations of the caregiver, to accomplish the aftercare tasks that may be included in a discharge care plan that describes the patient's aftercare needs at his residence.

3. The hospital shall educate and instruct the caregiver concerning the aftercare needs of the patient in a manner that is consistent with the discharge plan and is based on the learning needs of the caregiver. In addition, the hospital shall also provide an opportunity for the caregiver and patient to ask questions and receive explanations about the aftercare tasks.