Nursing Home Transfer and Discharge Rights

Nursing home residents have clearly defined rights when it comes to being transferred or discharged from a nursing facility, and may be evicted or moved under certain circumstances. Under California law, a nursing home may discharge or transfer a resident only if:

the resident’s health has improved and is no longer need of skilled nursing services;
the resident’s needs can no longer be met in the nursing home;
the health of individuals would be endangered;
the resident has failed, after reasonable notice, to pay; or
the nursing home ceases to operate.

Any discharge or transfer must be supported by adequate documentation, and the records must contain accurate assessments of the resident’s condition. In addition, before any transfer or discharge can be made, the facility must provide written notice to the resident and, if known, a family member.

Unfortunately, nursing homes will frequently try to discharge (or “dump”) residents they view as undesirable, for whatever reason. Any person who believes that they or someone they know has been the victim of a wrongful discharge or transfer may file complaint with the California Department of Public Health (Click here for contact information).

Walton Law Firm LLP represents individuals who have suffered abuse or neglect in the nursing home and assisted living setting. Cases are accepted in San Diego County, Riverside County, Orange County, San Bernardino County, and Los Angeles County.