Failure to Provide Written Bed-Hold Duration Notice at Hospital Transfer
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide a resident or their responsible party with written notice specifying the duration of the bed-hold policy at the time of transfer to the hospital. Review of the facility's policy indicated that the business office is responsible for informing residents or their representatives about readmission appeal rights and bed-hold policies. However, examination of the Emergency Transfer Log for the relevant period showed that the section for written notification to the resident was left blank for the resident who was transferred and later returned. Interviews with the Social Services Director revealed a lack of awareness regarding the requirement to send written notification about the bed-hold duration or payment policy at the time of transfer. Additionally, review of the Bed Hold Agreement provided by the Administrative Assistant confirmed that it did not include information explaining the duration of the bed-hold.