Notification to patient of placement in observation status by hospital

(a) Each hospital, as defined in section 19a-490, shall provide oral and written notice to each patient that the hospital places in observation status of such placement not later than twenty-four hours after such placement, unless such patient has been discharged or has left the hospital prior to the expiration of the twenty-four-hour period. Such oral and written notices shall include: (1) A statement that the patient is not admitted to the hospital but is under observation status; (2) a statement that observation status may affect the patient's Medicare, Medicaid or private insurance coverage for (A) hospital services, including medications and pharmaceutical supplies, or (B) home or community-based care or care at a skilled nursing facility upon the patient's discharge; and (3) a recommendation that the patient contact his or her health insurance provider or the Office of the Healthcare Advocate to better understand the implications of placement in observation status. (b) The written notice described in subsection (a) of this section shall be signed and dated by the patient receiving the notice or such patient's legal guardian, conservator or other authorized representative.