CMS SOM App. A, Tag A-0802

(6) The hospital’s discharge planning process must require regular re-evaluation of the

patient’s condition to identify changes that require modification of the discharge plan. The

discharge plan must be updated, as needed, to reflect these changes.

Interpretive Guidelines §482.43(a)(6)

Hospitals must have in place either a routine reassessment of all plans or a process for

triggering a reassessment of the patient’s post-discharge needs, capabilities and discharge plan

when significant changes in the patient’s condition or available supports occur. Significant

changes may include, but is not limited to, an increase or decreased need for post hospital

services and additional specific medication therapy or treatments. These changes may not only

change the discharge plan but may alter the availability of resources to meet the patient’s

discharge needs.

There should be documentation in the patient’s medical record of the re-evaluations and

modifications to the discharge plan at the time the changes are made to the plan.

Survey Procedures §482.43(a)(6)

• Verify that the hospital has a discharge planning process in place to regularly reevaluate

the patient’s condition to identify any required modifications to the discharge plan and to

update the discharge plan as needed.