What should happen if a resident no longer meets the criteria for continued residency?

When a resident no longer meets the criteria for continued residency, the appropriate course of action is discharge. This is based on the principle that facilities are required to provide care to individuals who meet specific eligibility requirements. If those conditions are not met, it indicates that the individual may no longer require the level of care provided at that facility or may need services that the facility cannot provide.

Discharging the resident allows for a necessary evaluation of their current needs and ensures that they receive the appropriate care in a setting that is better suited to meet their situation. It is a critical step in maintaining the integrity and standards of care within the facility while also respecting the needs of the resident.

While assessment, transfer, or requests to stay may seem reasonable, they are not aligned with the established guidelines that dictate discharge when residency criteria are unmet. A reassessment can be an important part of determining the next steps, but if the initial criteria for residency are not met, discharge remains the required action to uphold the facility's standards and regulatory requirements.