CMS SOM App. B, Tag G468

[…The HHA must do the following before it discharges a patient for cause:]

(5)(iii) Provide the patient and representative (if any), with contact information for

other agencies or providers who may be able to provide care; and

Interpretive Guidelines §484.50(d)(5)(ii) and (iii)

The clinical record should reflect:

• Identification of the problems encountered;

• Assessment of the situation;

• Communication among HHA management, patient caregiver, legal

representative and the physician responsible for the plan of care;

• A plan to resolve the issues; and

• Results of the plan implementation.

Only in extreme situations when there is a serious imminent threat of physical harm to

HHA staff, the HHA may take immediate action to discharge or transfer the patient

without first making efforts to resolve the underlying issue.

Evidence in the record should document that the HHA provided the patient and his or her

representative (if any) with information including contact numbers for other community

resources and names of other agencies or providers that may be able to provide services

to the patient.