Failure to Ensure Safe and Orderly Discharge After Late Return from Outing
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to ensure a safe and orderly discharge for a resident who was admitted with chronic pain, a left below-knee amputation, and post-surgical aftercare needs. An admission MDS completed shortly after admission documented that the resident was cognitively intact but required supervision or touching assistance with toileting, transfers, and bathing. Discharge instructions indicated the resident was being discharged home and that the resident’s current physical status required assistance and assistive devices, yet there was no documentation of referrals for needed medical equipment or a home health referral. The facility’s records did not show that these services or equipment were arranged prior to discharge. On the night in question, a nursing note documented that the resident returned to the facility after an outing at 12:23 AM, after the facility had notified the police because the resident’s location was unknown. The resident reported having been out with friends and being unaware of any concern. A social services note stated that because the resident was out past midnight, the resident was discharged from the facility, and a NOMNC was not issued because the resident left prior to the scheduled discharge and on their own initiative. A discharge summary documented that discharge instructions were reviewed with the resident, who refused to sign and was leaving voluntarily, and the voluntary consent form included a handwritten statement that the resident refused to sign. Later, the resident stated they had been “kicked out” for coming back late and were sleeping on a friend’s couch, finding it difficult to get around. Staff interviews showed there were no financial issues documented, that staff believed Medicare would not cover the resident if out past midnight, and that the resident had been scheduled for discharge several days later, while a regional director later characterized the situation as a clerical error and confirmed a normal discharge should have been completed.
We Help Long-Term Care Teams Stay Survey-Ready
We process and analyze inspection reports and plan of correction using AI to extract insights and trends so providers can improve care quality and stay ahead of compliance risks.