26:2H-5.34 Notation in medical record of increased risk of symptoms caused by a dementia related disorder; definitions.

1. a. A hospital licensed pursuant to P.L.1971, c.136 (C.26:2H-1 et seq.) shall require a health care professional or appropriate staff member to include a notation in a patient's medical record indicating that the patient has an increased risk of confusion, agitation, behavioral problems, and wandering due to a dementia related disorder, if such notation is requested by the patient's caregiver. The notation may be included in the patient's medical record at the time the patient is admitted to the hospital or to the hospital emergency department or when the patient is examined by a health care professional, and shall be prominently displayed in the medical record. A notation made pursuant to this section shall also be included by the hospital on the patient's universal transfer form, and, where practicable, shall be additionally communicated electronically to any licensed health care facility to which the patient may be admitted upon discharge by the hospital.

b. As used in this section:

"Caregiver" means a relative, spouse, partner, friend, or neighbor who has a significant relationship to the patient;

"Dementia" means a chronic or persistent disorder of the mental processes due to organic brain disease, for which no curative treatment is available, and marked by memory disorders, changes in personality, deterioration in personal care, impaired reasoning ability, and disorientation; and

"Health care professional" means a physician, physician assistant, or advanced practice nurse, who is acting within the scope of the professional's practice and is licensed or whose professional practice is otherwise regulated pursuant to Title 45 of the Revised Statutes.

L.2019, c.392, s.1.