AB 225: Health care: facility fees.

<p>The proposed bill aims to amend existing laws regarding patient funds in state hospitals for individuals with mental health disorders. The bill would allow state hospitals to use patient funds for the welfare of the patients, in addition to existing uses such as education or entertainment. Hospital administrators must notify patients, patient governments, and patient groups in writing about any newly authorized expenditure options for the benefit fund.</p> <p>Existing laws already permit the deposit of patient funds in trust and the hospital administrator to manage these funds. However, the proposed bill expands the purposes for which these funds can be used, while maintaining existing requirements for consideration of patient recommendations and approval from the director of state hospitals.</p>