Failure to Permit Resident to Remain During Pending Discharge Appeal and Inappropriate Discharge Reason
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to have an appropriate reason for the involuntary discharge of a resident and did not allow the resident to remain in the facility while an appeal of the discharge was pending. The discharge was initiated on the grounds of non-payment, specifically citing that Medicaid would not pay for the resident's stay due to exceeding the allowable number of Leave of Absence (LOA) days. However, both the Business Office Manager and the Director of Nursing confirmed that the resident did not have an outstanding bill at the time of discharge. Documentation and interviews revealed that the resident had filed an appeal against the discharge with the assistance of the Ombudsman, and the facility was made aware of this appeal through email correspondence and daily department meetings prior to the discharge date. Despite being informed of the pending appeal, the facility proceeded with the discharge as scheduled. The resident was discharged and had to stay at a relative's home, as their own residence was uninhabitable due to a fire. The discharge summary and notes confirmed the discharge plans, and meeting notes indicated that the appeal was discussed among staff. No additional information was provided at the time of exit to justify the discharge or to indicate that the appeal process had been properly considered or followed.