The inappropriate transfer or discharge of nursing home residents has been a longstanding concern for residents, their families, and policymakers. Far too often, residents are pushed out of their nursing home – which is their home – for inappropriate and illegal reasons. This can have a devastating impact on the resident and their family.
To address this problem, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has developed strong protections to ensure that residents are not inappropriately discharged and that, when faced with a facility-initiated discharge, they have a right to 30 days’ notice (except in emergency situations), access to assistance from the LTC Ombudsman Program, and the ability to appeal the discharge. See our Fact Sheet: Nursing Home Transfer & Discharge Rights for a useful summary of the federal rules and practical information for residents, families, and those who work with them.