Section 70E of chapter 111 of the General Laws, as so appearing in the 2014 Official Edition, is hereby amended by inserting after the fourth paragraph the following new paragraph:-

Every patient, upon placement into either inpatient or observation status, shall receive complete information from an admitting hospital regarding (i) whether such patient has been admitted to the hospital as an inpatient or is in observation status; (ii) a statement that observation status may affect the patient’s Medicare, Medicaid, or private insurance coverage for hospital services, medication, and skilled nursing facility care following discharge; and (iii) a recommendation that the patient contact his or her insurance plan to better understand the implications of being placed in observation status versus inpatient admission.  Such notice shall be in addition to any requirements set forth by Medicare under Public Law 114-42.