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H 2492

An Act require a suitable ride home from the hospital for all cognitively impaired discharges

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Colleen Garry and 3 co-sponsors

Massachusetts hospitals must arrange suitable transportation home for cognitively impaired patients before discharge to prevent safety risks and ensure appropriate post-hospital care.

Reporting date extended to Tuesday, October 21, 2025
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Bill Summary · H 2492

Legislative bill overview

H 2492 would require Massachusetts hospitals to ensure that patients with cognitive impairments receive suitable transportation arrangements before discharge, rather than allowing them to leave without safe ride-home plans. The bill places responsibility on hospitals to verify and arrange appropriate transportation for this vulnerable population, addressing potential safety gaps in current discharge procedures.

Why is this important

Cognitively impaired patients discharged without safe transportation face serious risks including accidents, getting lost, inability to manage medications, and unsafe living conditions upon arrival home. Current hospital discharge practices may not adequately account for cognitive limitations, potentially creating liability issues for hospitals and endangering patient welfare post-discharge.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost allocation: Hospitals may argue the mandate creates unfunded expenses; unclear whether state will reimburse transportation costs or if hospitals absorb them
  • Definition ambiguity: "Cognitively impaired" lacks precise statutory definition, potentially creating inconsistent application and disputes over which patients qualify
  • Liability and enforcement: Unclear who bears legal responsibility if arrangements fail, what penalties hospitals face for non-compliance, and how violations will be monitored or reported

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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