Notification of Resident Representatives and Family
WHCA has received concerns voiced on behalf of resident families that they are not being notified in a timely manner when their loved one is transferred to the hospital/emergency room for evaluation and/or treatment. We want to take this opportunity to remind both assisted living and skilled nursing facility staff that our Washington resident right’s statute requires long term care facilities to immediately consult with the resident’s physician, and if known, make reasonable efforts to notify the resident representative to the extent provided by law when there is:
- An accident involving the resident which requires or has the potential for requiring physician intervention. This would include a transfer to the hospital/emergency room for evaluation and/or treatment. It is imperative that this is done promptly and consistently for all residents.
- A significant change in the resident’s physical, mental, or psychosocial status (i.e., a deterioration in health, mental, or psychosocial status in either life-threatening conditions or clinical complications).
According to the law, the facility must also promptly notify the resident or resident representative when there is:
- A change in room or roommate assignment; or
- A decision to transfer or discharge the resident from the facility.
The facility must record and update the address, phone number, and any other contact information of the resident representative, upon receipt of notice from them. If you have questions regarding these requirements, please contact Vicki McNealley for AL or Elena Madrid for SNF.
