Failure to Provide Proper Discharge Notice and Required Information
Penalty
Summary
A cognitively intact resident with a history of complete traumatic amputation to the left lower leg and Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus was admitted to the facility and continued to receive services, including physical therapy. On one occasion, the resident was issued a 48-hour discharge notice by the Assistant Administrator without an explanation or inclusion of information regarding the appeals process. Later the same day, a 30-day discharge notice was provided, also lacking the required information about the appeals process. Both notices instructed the resident to remove all personal belongings and vacate the room by the specified dates. Interviews with the resident and the Assistant Administrator confirmed that the discharge notices did not contain all the information required by regulation, specifically omitting details about the appeals process. Review of facility policy and the resident's contract agreement indicated that a 30-day notice is required except in emergencies, and that all applicable federal and state regulations must be followed. The facility failed to provide the resident with a proper discharge notice containing the necessary information and appropriate notice period as required.