Article by Camden Doren, NVLTCC , Department of Family Services
(Posted 2021 April)
Being discharged from a long-term care (LTC) facility can cause a mixture of feelings for a resident and their families. Many are happy at the thought of returning home, while others are confused about the discharge process.
All LTC facilities must provide notice of discharge to a resident, or authorized decision maker, in writing. The discharge regulations vary between a nursing facility and assisted living.
A nursing facility must provide written notice of discharge at least 30 days in advance and include:
- reason for discharge,
- proposed date of discharge,
- location the resident will be discharged to,
- information on how to appeal the discharge, and
- contact information for the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program and other agencies responsible for advocacy on behalf of persons with mental illness and developmental disabilities.
Upon initiating a discharge within an assisted living facility, the facility is required to write in the resident’s records that discharge planning has begun, and the resident is to be moved within 30 days.
Written notice of a resident’s discharge should be provided at least 14 days prior to the resident leaving and should include information pertaining to the actual discharge date and location. In some instances, an emergency discharge may require less than the 14-day notice.
As a mandated program under the Older Americans Act, the Northern Virginia Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program is often called to assist residents and consumers to advocate for their rights to ensure quality of care and quality of life.
For more information about resident’s rights when it comes to discharge planning or other nursing facility and assisted living concerns, call the NVLTCOP at 703-324-5861, TTY 711, or contact by email.
This article is part of the Golden Gazette monthly newsletter which covers a variety of topics and community news concerning older adults and caregivers in Fairfax County. Are you new to the Golden Gazette? Don’t miss out on future newsletters! Subscribe to get the electronic or free printed version mailed to you. Have a suggestion for a topic? Share it in an email or call 703-324-GOLD (4653).