Who decides where the patient should go after being discharged?
Hospitals must have a discharge team that is responsible for discharge planning. The team must include a social worker and a registered professional nurse. The discharge team must get input from the patient’s attending doctor, the staff nurse or other nurses, and other health professionals. The discharge team must also work with the patient, if possible. And with the patient’s permission, the team will also meet with the patient’s family or significant other to develop an appropriate discharge plan for the patient. (N.J.A.C. 8:43G-11.4, 5[d].) Can the hospital discharge a patient to anyplace? The hospital must find an “appropriate” placement for a patient who needs further care. This may mean a rehabilitation facility, a nursing home, the patient’s home with the assistance, or any other “appropriate” placement. (N.J.A.C. 8:43G-11.5.) A patient who has no way to get necessary home health care from an agency may not be discharged to his or her home if the patient alone or his or her spou
