HospitalInspections.org

Based on staff interviews and facility document review, it was determined that the facility failed to ensure that the hospital does not specify or otherwise limit the qualified providers that are available to patients upon discharge.

Findings include:

1. Upon interview with Staff #5, in the presence of Staff #1, Staff #6, Staff #7 and Staff #10, Staff #5 stated he/she will recommend (name of Home Health Care agency) as their preferred provider, due to their specialized nursing staff for ostomy wound care. If the patient requests another agency that they have previously used, he/she will still encourage the patient to go to (name of Home Health Care agency) for their specialized nursing staff.

a. The above interview was confirmed by Staff #1.

2. A request was made for a list of patients discharged to Home Health Agencies (HHA). The list contained the following information:

a. All patients discharged to HHA during December 2017 through February 2018.

b. The were 880 new patients discharged to (name of Home Health Care agency).

c. There were 221 new patients discharged to various other Home Health Agencies.