The law requires that a provider maintain full and complete documentation in the patient’s medical record in order to receive payment for services from Medicare.1  Hospitals are also required to include a discharge plan for all Medicare beneficiaries.2  Massachusetts has taken a number of steps to protect Medicare beneficiaries.  Primarily, the law allows disclosure of information from Medicare applicants or recipients only when it is directly connected to the administration of medical assistance programs.  In this case, the names of recipients cannot not be published.3  Also, the law prohibits discriminatory behavior, related to admission or services, against Medicare beneficiaries.  The Department of Community Health has established an advocacy office to deal with complaints or allegations regarding discriminatory conduct against Medicare beneficiaries specifically.4