Failure to Provide Required Written Notice and Appeal Rights Prior to Discharge and Refusal of Readmission
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide the required written notice to a resident, their representative, and the long-term care ombudsman prior to discharging the resident and refusing readmission after hospitalization. Record review showed that the resident was transferred to the hospital and remained there beyond the bed-hold period, but hospital documentation indicated the resident was ready to return. Despite this, the facility declined readmission without issuing a written discharge notice that included the reason for discharge, effective date, and appeal rights. There was also no evidence that the ombudsman received a copy of the notice or that discharge planning was coordinated with the hospital and community services. Interviews with the hospital care manager, ombudsman, and facility administrator confirmed that no written notice was provided prior to the refusal of readmission, resulting in an involuntary discharge without the required notifications and denial of appeal rights.