Failure to Provide Written Transfer/Discharge Notices and Bed-Hold Policy
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide written notification to resident representatives regarding the reason for transfer or discharge to the hospital, and did not mail a copy of the bed-hold policy for two residents who were hospitalized. For one resident with moderate cognitive impairment, nursing progress notes indicated that staff attempted to contact the responsible party by telephone at the time of transfer, but there was no documentation that a written notice or bed-hold policy was provided. Similarly, for another resident with severe cognitive impairment, the medical record showed that the representative was notified by telephone, but again, there was no evidence of written notification or bed-hold policy being sent. Interviews with admissions staff confirmed that their practice was to call or attempt to call families or resident representatives on the day of transfer or the next business day, but they did not mail any written notices regarding the bed-hold policy or the reason for transfer/discharge. The admissions staff was unaware that mailing these notices was a requirement. The administrator confirmed that both the bed-hold information and written notice of transfer or discharge, including the reason for transfer, should be mailed to the family or resident representative and given to the resident when sent to the hospital.