Failure to Provide 30-Day Written Discharge Notice
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide a written 30-day notice of proposed discharge to a resident prior to their transfer, as required by federal regulations and the facility's own policy. The resident, who had diagnoses including hypertension, glaucoma, lack of coordination, and protein-calorie malnutrition, was admitted on a specified date and required supervision or assistance with activities of daily living. Documentation showed that the resident was discharged to a board and care facility, and the formal written notice of proposed transfer/discharge was given and signed on the same day as the discharge, rather than at least 30 days in advance. Interviews with facility staff, including an LVN and the DON, confirmed that the practice was to provide the discharge notice on the day of discharge. The DON was not aware that the notice should be given at least 30 days prior, as outlined in the facility's policy and federal requirements. Review of the facility's policy confirmed that residents or their representatives are to be notified of an impending discharge at least 30 days in advance, and the notice should be provided in a manner understandable to the resident.