Failure to Inform Resident of Discharge Planning and Housing Alternatives
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that a resident was informed and provided with information regarding housing alternatives after discharge, violating the resident's right to be informed about their treatment and discharge planning. The resident, who was cognitively intact and independent in daily activities, expressed a desire to leave the facility and return to the community, specifically mentioning missing family and wanting to know more about the discharge process. Documentation showed that the resident was in discharge planning, with referrals made to a local contact agency and acceptance into an outside rehabilitation program, but there was no evidence that the resident was informed of these developments or given a projected date for housing. Interviews and record reviews confirmed that the Social Services Director was aware of the resident's acceptance into a rehabilitation program and the ongoing wait for a bed, but admitted there was no documentation indicating the resident had been informed of these updates. Facility policies required residents to be actively engaged and informed in their care and discharge planning, but this was not followed in this case, as the resident remained unaware of the status and timeline of their discharge despite ongoing planning and referrals.