(1) A hospital shall notify a patient's designated lay caregiver of the patient's impending discharge or transfer to another hospital or facility licensed by the state as soon as practicable. Notice may be provided after the patient's physician issues a discharge order and prior to the patient's discharge or transfer.
(2) If the hospital is unable to contact the lay caregiver, the lack of contact may not interfere with, delay, or otherwise affect the medical care provided to the patient or an appropriate discharge or transfer of the patient. The hospital shall appropriately document the inability to contact the lay caregiver.