Complex case discharge delays

Hospitals across New York and the nation have reported an alarming rise in patients who become caught in limbo in emergency departments and inpatient units for weeks, months and even years after they are medically ready for discharge. Complex case discharge delays, also known as bed blocking or boarding, are devastating for patients, exacerbate bed shortages and result in enormous, unnecessary costs.

A coordinated response is urgently needed to address this problem. HANYS has worked closely with our members, state agencies and others to raise awareness of the ramifications of complex case discharge delays and contribute to developing solutions.

We continue to work with New York hospitals and health systems, payers, government agencies, community-based providers and other organizations to offer expertise in setting policy and establishing best practices across the field to achieve better patient outcomes.

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