CMS SOM App. PP, Tag F778

from the source of service, if the resident needs assistance.

PROCEDURES

During record reviews and interviews with residents, family members or resident

representatives, determine if residents were offered and assisted in making transportation

arrangements. In order to “assist” a resident, the facility should consider the resident’s

clinical, physical, mental, and financial condition. For example, assisting a resident who

has limited funds to be transported by a taxi or a private car service when other, more

inexpensive options are available would not really be “assisting” the resident. However,

this standard is not requiring a facility to defray or cover the costs of transportation either.

If any appointments were canceled due to difficulties with transportation including the

costs of transportation, determine if this was a result of facility procedures.

If there are concerns regarding charges to the resident for any of these services, refer to

§483.10(f)(10) and (11) - Resident Rights - Self-determination or §483.10(g(17) and (18)

– Information and Communication.

KEY ELEMENTS OF NONCOMPLIANCE

To cite deficient practice at F778, the surveyor’s investigation will generally show that

the facility failed to do any one or more of the following:

• If required or requested, assist residents in making transportation arrangements to

and from the source of service; OR

• If any delay by the facility in making these arrangements adversely affected

resident care or treatment. If so, also refer to Quality of Care or Quality of Life

requirements.