Failure to Provide Written Notification of Hospital Transfer/Discharge
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide written notification to a resident's representative regarding the reason for the resident's transfer or discharge to the hospital. The resident, who was cognitively intact, was admitted to the facility and experienced two separate hospitalizations, after which she returned to the facility each time. A review of the resident's medical record showed no documentation that a written notice of discharge, including the reason for the transfer, had been sent to the resident's representative. Interviews with the resident's representative confirmed that no written notices were received for either hospitalization. Further interviews with facility staff, including the ADON and Social Worker, revealed that written notifications of transfer or discharge were not sent to families or resident representatives, and staff were unaware of the requirement to mail such notices. The Administrator also acknowledged that written notice should have been provided.