31-36B-2. Definitions.

As used in this chapter, the term:

“Aftercare” means any assistance provided by a lay caregiver to an individual under this chapter after the patient’s discharge from a hospital, including tasks that are limited to the patient’s condition at the time of discharge and do not require a licensed professional.#

“Discharge” means a patient’s exit or release from a hospital to the patient’s residence after any inpatient stay.#

“Hospital” means any institution classified and having a permit as a hospital from the Department of Community Health pursuant to this title and such department’s rules and regulations.#

“Lay caregiver” means any individual 18 years of age or older, including next of kin, who is identified by the patient as someone who will provide aftercare assistance to the patient in the event the patient is discharged from the hospital.#

“Residence” means a dwelling considered by a patient to be his or her home, not including an institution as defined in subparagraph (A) of paragraph (4) of Code Section 31-7-1.#