The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released a
QSO reminding state survey agencies of the requirement for hospitals to provide accurate and complete patient information to Post Acute Care (PAC) providers during discharge.
CMS identified a concern regarding the information PAC providers, including skilled nursing facilities and home health agencies receive from hospitals, including the following important patient information:
- Information regarding substance use disorders and mental health diagnoses or histories.
- A full list of medications for discharge.
- Information about skin conditions, including skin tears, pressure injuries, etc.
- Information regarding durable medical equipment.
- Information regarding the patient’s preferences for care, including end-of-life decisions.
- Communications about the patient’s needs at home.