Failure to Provide Timely Discharge Notice and Appeal Rights
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to implement an appropriate discharge plan for one resident who was transferred from the skilled nursing facility (SNF) to a general acute care hospital (GACH) and subsequently denied readmission to the SNF after being medically cleared for return. During a joint interview and record review with facility administration, it was revealed that there was no documented evidence of a discussion with the resident or responsible parties regarding a discharge notification or process. Additionally, when the GACH attempted to transfer the resident back to the SNF, the facility declined the transfer without providing a timely written discharge notice or informing the resident of their right to appeal the decision. This lack of notification and documentation was acknowledged by the facility administration during the interview.