Failure to Provide Timely Discharge Notices and Appeal Information
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to provide required discharge notices in a timely manner, including appeal rights and bed-hold information, for two residents. For one resident admitted with peripheral vertigo, chronic kidney disease, muscle weakness, difficulty walking, and cognitive symptoms, the Admission Record showed admission in November and an MDS dated late January documented a BIMS score of 15, indicating intact cognition. The Notice of Proposed Transfer/Discharge, also dated and signed in late January, included appeal rights and contact information, and stated that if the resident believed the proposed discharge was inappropriate, the resident had the right to appeal to the state long-term care agency. Progress notes and the Discharge Summary and Post-Care Instructions for that same date showed the resident was discharged that day, indicating the proposed discharge notice was given on the actual day of discharge rather than in advance. For a second resident admitted with necrosis of the right femur, depression, toe cellulitis, and mild cognitive impairment, the Notice of Proposed Transfer/Discharge was dated mid-February and indicated it was provided to the resident and signed by facility staff the following day. A Social Service Note dated mid-February documented that this resident was discharged that same following day, again showing that the proposed discharge notice was provided on the day of discharge. In an interview, the Social Services Director stated that residents receive several documents at discharge, including a Discharge Summary and Post-Care Instructions, Inventory of Personal Items, a medications list, and a Notice of Proposed Transfer/Discharge, and acknowledged that the notice provides the proposed discharge date but is only given on the actual day of discharge. The Social Services Director further stated that the 30-day discharge notice requirement is a recent development and that the facility does not yet have an established policy and procedure for it.
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.