Section R9-10-209. Discharge Planning; Discharge

A.      For an inpatient, an administrator shall ensure that discharge planning:

1.        Identifies the specific needs of the patient after discharge, if applicable;

2.        Includes the participation of the patient or the patient’s representative;

3.        Is completed before discharge occurs;

4.        Provides the patient or the patient’s representative with written information identifying classes or subclasses of health care institutions and the level of care that  the health care institutions provide that may meet the patient’s assessed and anticipated needs after discharge, if applicable; and

5.        Is documented in the patient’s medical record.

B.       For an inpatient discharge or a transfer of an inpatient, an administrator shall ensure that:

1.        There is a discharge summary that includes:

a.         A description of the patient’s medical condition and the medical services provided to the patient; and

b.        The signature of the medical practitioner coordinat- ing the patient’s medical services;

2.        There is a documented discharge order for the patient by a medical practitioner coordinating the patient’s medical services before discharge unless the patient leaves the hospital against a medical staff member’s advice; and

3.        If the patient is not being transferred:

a.         There are documented discharge instructions; and

b.        The patient or the patient’s representative is pro- vided with a copy of the discharge instructions.

C.      Except as provided in subsection (D), an administrator shall ensure that an outpatient is discharged according to policies and procedures.

D.      For a discharge of an outpatient receiving emergency services, an administrator shall ensure that:

1.        A discharge order is documented by a medical practi- tioner who provided medical services to the patient before the patient is discharged unless the patient leaves against a medical staff member’s advice; and

2.        Discharge instructions are documented and provided to the patient or the patient’s representative before the patient is discharged unless the patient leaves the hospital against a medical staff member's advice.

Historical Note

New Section made by final rulemaking at 8 A.A.R. 2785, effective October 1, 2002 (Supp. 02-2). Amended by final

rulemaking at 11 A.A.R. 536, effective March 5, 2005 (Supp. 05-1). Section R9-10-209 renumbered to R9-10- 212; new Section R9-10-209 renumbered from R9-10- 211 and amended by exempt rulemaking at 19 A.A.R.

2015, effective October 1, 2013 (Supp. 13-2).