Patient Transfer and Discharge, Including Discharge for Cause

In short

• We transfer or discharge a patient only for a reason allowed in our policy, and never because the patient complained.
• Written notice must reach the patient at least five days before services end. If mailed, mail it at least eight working days before and also speak with the patient at least five days before.
• Notice is not needed in advance only when the rules allow, such as the patient’s request, a medical emergency, a disaster, staff or patient safety, or a physician’s order. Document which one.
• For Medicare patients, the Medicare termination notice is also needed at least 2 days before covered services end.
• Before any discharge for cause, the problem must be discussed with the patient and practitioners, efforts made to fix it, other providers suggested, and everything documented. Report behavior or safety concerns the same day.