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Lawmakers Pass Bill Requiring Hospitals Post More Patients' Rights Info

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — New York lawmakers have passed a bill to require that hospitals post statements explaining patient protections against surprise medical bills and patients' right to designate a caregiver to receive instructions about post-discharge care.

Sponsors say the notification requirement follows two major recent changes in New York law on patient rights.

Consumer protections against surprise medical bills took effect in April 2015.

The posted notices would inform patients of the right to submit surprise bills to independent dispute resolution and to view a list of the hospital's standard charges.

The provision for designating caregivers after discharge took effect two months ago.

The legislation to require hospital notices next goes to Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo for review.

It would take effect 180 days after signing.

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