TN 6 (10-22)
When a patient chooses to continue to occupy their hospital accommodations beyond
the check-out time for personal reasons, the hospital may charge the beneficiary for
their continued stay. Such a stay beyond the checkout time, for the comfort or convenience
of the patient, is not covered under the program and the hospital's agreement to participate
in the program does not preclude it from charging the patient. However, it is expected
that hospitals will not impose late charges on a beneficiary unless they have been
given reasonable notice (for example, 24 hours) of their impending discharge.
Where the patient's medical condition is the cause of the stay past the check-out
time (e.g., the patient needs further services, is bedridden and awaiting transportation
to their home or to an SNF, or dies in the hospital), the stay beyond the discharge
hour is covered under the program and the hospital may not charge the patient.