Understanding Nursing Home Transfers and Discharges
Being told you must leave a nursing home can feel scary and stressful for both residents and families. Sometimes, a nursing home may try to transfer or discharge a resident because the resident needs more care, is having difficulties, or because family members ask questions or complain.
But the Nursing Home Reform Law of 1987 says a nursing home cannot transfer or discharge a resident unless there is a valid reason.
Allowed Reasons for Transfer or Discharge
A resident may only be transferred or discharged if:
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The nursing home cannot provide the care the resident needs.
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The resident’s health has improved, and nursing home care is no longer needed.
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The safety of people in the nursing home is at risk.
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The resident has not paid for care.
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The nursing home is closing.
Many of these issues can be solved through good care planning, which means transfer or discharge is not always needed.
Notice Requirements
If a resident is going to be transferred or discharged, the nursing home must give a written notice at least 30 days in advance to the resident and their family member, guardian, or legal representative.
The notice must include:
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The reason for the transfer or discharge.
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Where the resident will be moved.
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The date of the transfer or discharge.
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Information about the right to appeal the decision.
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Contact details for the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman
What You Can Do
If you get a notice of discharge, contact the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program for help and support.
Helpful Resources
- National Consumer Voice: Involuntary Transfer and Discharge Resource Page
- Understanding Your Rights in a Nursing Home: Payment, Room Transfers, Debt Collection, and Discrimination (CT LTCOP Guide)
- National Ombudsman Resource Center: Transfer and Discharge Issue Page
For nursing homes trying to send discharge notices to the ombudsman, visit the LTCOP Involuntary Discharge Portal.