DSHS Publishes Assisted Living Transfer/Discharge Form
Effective January 1st, all assisted living residents on Medicaid who are transferred or discharged must receive specific written notice including access to a free lawyer should the resident wish to dispute the transfer or discharge. DSHS has created a Notice of Transfer or Discharge form for facilities’ use. The document can also be used for privately-paying residents if the facility chooses to do so. Of note, for Medicaid residents only, a copy of the completed notice must be sent to the state long-term care ombuds program as well as the resident’s DSHS case manager within three days of issuing the notice to the resident. Directions on how to notify the ombuds are included in the Notice of Transfer or Discharge form.
The Legal Counsel for Long-Term Care Program, which will serve as a resource to Medicaid residents wishing to contest a transfer or discharge notice, is intended to support resident understanding of rights. Residents on Medicaid who have been issued a transfer or discharge notice may be offered services such as education on resident rights, attorney outreach regarding continued placement, assistance with appeals and legal representation if needed, and assistance with identifying safe housing options. The focus will be on Medicaid residents who are asked to move or are discharged without proper notice, and on those denied readmission after a hospital stay.
For questions, please email WHCA’s Vicki McNealley.
