Failure to Specify Discharge Location in Written Notice
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide the required contents in the written discharge notice for one resident reviewed for transfer or discharge. Specifically, the discharge notice given to the resident did not include a specific location where the resident would be going after discharge. Instead, the notice stated 'Facility of choice' and indicated that if no location was selected, the social worker would assist in finding an appropriate placement. Interviews with the DON and ADM confirmed that the discharge notice was not clear about the resident's discharge destination, although the resident's home address was written at the top of the notice. Both staff members acknowledged the importance of specifying a clear discharge location to ensure the resident's safety. Record review showed that the resident had a diagnosis of bipolar disorder and was cognitively intact, as indicated by a BIMS score of 14. The resident's care plan noted ongoing verbally abusive behaviors. Despite a request, the facility was unable to provide a policy outlining proper discharge procedures, and the admission agreement signed by the resident did not contain the required discharge notice information. This lack of specific information in the discharge notice constituted a failure to meet regulatory requirements for discharge documentation.