In the Courts: Chain Settles with State for Delaying Discharges of Short-Stay Patients

A nursing home chain in New York State has agreed to pay $600,000 to resolve allegations that it delayed the discharges of short-stay patients for financial reasons, according to a December 16, 2015, press release from the state attorney general's office.

From 2008 to 2011, the chain delayed the discharges of short-stay patients who were "clinically ready to leave" against the wishes of residents or families or without their consent. Senior managers told nursing home administrators to limit planned discharges of short-stay residents, particularly those whose stays were covered by Medicare or Medicaid, to a maximum of two or three per week. Facilities often delayed stays by providing medically unnecessary services, delaying discharge paperwork, and avoiding patients who were "actively seeking discharge." The chain also transferred several long-term residents...