Failure to Readmit Resident After Hospitalization in Accordance with Bed Hold Policy
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to readmit a resident following discharge from a General Acute Care Hospital (GACH), despite the resident being medically stable and the facility having available beds. The resident, who had diagnoses including spondylosis, anxiety disorder, depression, and borderline personality disorder, was originally transferred to the hospital due to being a danger to herself. Upon discharge from the hospital, the GACH contacted the facility to arrange for the resident's return, but the facility refused readmission by order of the Administrator, even though the facility's policy and procedure on Bed Holds and Returns required that residents be permitted to return following hospitalization within the bed hold period. Record review and staff interviews confirmed that the facility's Director of Admissions and Administrator were aware of the policy but chose not to readmit the resident. The Administrator cited the resident's need for a private room due to having a dog and previous behavioral issues as reasons for the refusal. The facility's own policy, however, indicated that all residents, regardless of payer source, should be allowed to return to their previous room if available within the bed hold period. This action resulted in the resident being unable to return to the facility after hospital discharge.