JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) -- Supporters say a measure requiring hospitals to disclose whether a person is being admitted is needed to protect consumers.
The Missouri House on Tuesday gave first-round approval to a bill that would require written notices when a patient is admitted or placed on observational status by a hospital.
Republican Rep. Sheila Solon, of Blue Springs, says hospitals have been placing people on observational status instead of admitting them.
She says that puts patients on the hook for thousands of dollars in costs that often are not covered by health insurance or Medicare.
The measure faces another vote in the House before moving to the Senate.