The California Department of Health has issued a new All Facilities Letter outlining the transfer, discharge, and readmission requirements for skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) and intermediate care facilities (ICFs). These facilities may only transfer and discharge residents under specific circumstances and must notify all residents of the facility's written bed hold policy. Upon request, SNFs and ICFs must hold the bed of any resident transferred to a general acute care hospital for at least seven days. If the bed hold period has lapsed, the facility's policy must allow for readmission to the facility upon the first available bed. Non-compliance with these regulations may result in fines and enforcement actions against certified facilities, including denial of Medicare or Medicaid payments and termination of the facility's provider agreement. Facilities are responsible for adhering to all applicable laws and should consult the California Standard Admission Agreement and relevant state and federal requirements for further information.

Summaries are generataed using AI. Check important information.