Failure to Allow Resident Return After Hospitalization and Involuntary Discharge
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that a resident was allowed to return after being sent to a local hospital, resulting in an involuntary discharge that did not meet regulatory requirements. The resident, who had a diagnosis of Diabetes Mellitus Type II and moderately impaired cognition, was involved in two resident-to-resident altercations and was subsequently sent to the hospital. The facility issued an Immediate Notice of Involuntary Discharge, citing endangerment to the safety and health of individuals in the facility, and refused to readmit the resident after hospital treatment. Interviews with facility staff revealed that the administrator and director of nursing did not believe the facility was equipped to care for the resident and made the decision not to allow the resident back. The social services designee sent referrals to other facilities and notified the Ombudsman of the discharge. The resident expressed confusion and distress about not being allowed to return, stating that the facility was their home and they had not been updated on their situation. The facility's policy on transfers and discharges did not address immediate involuntary discharges, and staff acknowledged that regulations were not met by failing to reevaluate the resident after hospital treatment.