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Bill

HD 762

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

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by John Marsi and 1 co-sponsor

Hospitals must arrange safe transportation home for cognitively impaired patients before discharge, ensuring vulnerable populations don't leave without adequate support.

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Bill Summary · HD 762

Legislative bill overview

HD 762 would mandate that hospitals ensure cognitively impaired patients have a suitable ride home arranged before discharge. The bill establishes a requirement that hospitals cannot discharge patients with cognitive impairments without confirming safe transportation arrangements. This applies to patients with conditions like dementia, intellectual disabilities, or other cognitive conditions that may affect their ability to arrange or navigate transportation independently.

Why is this important

Cognitively impaired patients discharged without safe transportation face serious risks including accidents, getting lost, exposure to elements, and inability to reach follow-up care. Hospital discharges without safe transport can lead to preventable hospitalizations, medical complications, and unsafe situations that burden both patients and emergency services. This addresses a genuine gap in discharge planning that affects vulnerable populations.

Potential points of contention

  • Implementation burden and cost: Hospitals may argue this creates unfunded mandates, requiring staff time and potentially paid transportation services, raising healthcare costs
  • Definition and assessment challenges: "Cognitively impaired" lacks precise clinical boundaries—determining which patients qualify and who assesses this at discharge could create inconsistencies and disputes
  • Family responsibility questions: The bill may create tension around whether hospitals should bear responsibility for arrangements typically handled by family members or caregivers, potentially reducing family accountability
  • Liability and enforcement: Unclear what happens if suitable transport is unavailable or patients refuse offered options, and how hospitals are held accountable for post-discharge incidents

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

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