Discharge, Transfer and Discharge for Cause
Sets out the only reasons the Agency may discharge a patient alive, the steps it must take before a discharge for cause, discharge planning when a patient is no longer terminally ill, the physician discharge order, the Medicare notice of non-coverage and expedited determination process, the notice of termination to the Medicare contractor, notices to Medical Assistance, and the discharge summary and records sent to the attending physician or receiving provider.
About this policy
- Policy number
- PA-HSP-DC-01
- Version
- 1.0
- Main rule
- 42 CFR §418.26
- Library
- Pennsylvania hospice · 60 policies
- Category
- Hospice care
- Sections
- 24
In short
- We may discharge a living patient only if they move away or transfer, are no longer terminally ill, or for cause after every required step.
- No discharge without a written order from a hospice physician, after talking with the attending physician.
- Before a discharge for cause: warn the patient, try hard to solve the problem, confirm it is not about using needed services, and document everything.
- Medicare patients get the Notice of Medicare Non-Coverage at least 2 days before discharge and can ask the QIO for a fast review.
- Send the discharge summary to the attending physician or new provider and tell the office so Medicare and Medical Assistance notices go in on time.
What's inside
24 sections. The full text comes with the One-time Policy Pack.
- Terms of Reference
- 1. Purpose
- 2. Scope
- 3. Definitions
- 4. Policy Statement (42 CFR §418.26)
- 5. Reasons for Discharge
- 6. Discharge for Cause
- 7. Discharge Planning When the Patient Is No Longer Terminally Ill
- 8. Physician Discharge Order
- 9. Notices
- 9.1 Notice to the patient
- 9.2 Medicare notice of non-coverage and expedited determination
- 9.3 Notice of termination to the Medicare contractor
- 9.4 Medical Assistance
- 10. Discharge Summary and Records
- 11. Patients Leaving the Service Area
- 12. Effect of Discharge
- 13. Responsibilities
- 14. Records and Compliance Monitoring
- 15. Staff Training
- 16. References
- 17. Related Policies and Forms
- 18. Approval
- 19. Revision History
An inspector may ask
- Why was this patient discharged? Is the reason one of the three the rule allows?
- Where is the written discharge order, and who signed it? Was the attending physician consulted?
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