---
kind: "section"
citation: "42 C.F.R. § 403.736"
title: "42"
number: "403.736"
heading: "Condition of participation: Discharge planning."
url: "https://uscodex.org/cfr/42/403.736"
---

# §403.736. Condition of participation: Discharge planning.

- (a) **Discharge planning and instructions.** The RNHCI must have in effect a discharge planning process that applies to all patients. The process must assure that appropriate post-institution services are obtained for each patient, as necessary. The RNHCI must assess the need for a discharge plan for any patient likely to suffer adverse consequences if there is no planning.
  - (1) Discharge instructions must be provided at the time of discharge to the patient or the patient's caregiver as necessary.
  - (2) If the patient assessment indicates a need for a discharge plan, the discharge plan must include instructions on post-RNHCI care to be used by the patient or the caregiver in the patient's home, as identified in the discharge plan.
  - (3) If the RNHCI's patient assessment does not indicate a need for a discharge plan, the beneficiary or his or her legal representative may request a discharge plan. In this case, the RNHCI must develop a discharge plan for the beneficiary.
- (b) **Standard: Transfer or referral.** The RNHCI must transfer or refer patients in a timely manner to another facility (including a medical facility if requested by the beneficiary, or his or her legal representative) in accordance with [§ 403.730(b)(2)](/cfr/42/403.730.md?p=b-2).
- (c) **Standard: Reassessment.** The RNHCI must reassess its discharge planning process on an ongoing basis. The reassessment must include a review of discharge plans to ensure that they are responsive to discharge needs.

## Notes

### Amendments

[64 FR 67047, Nov. 30, 1999, as amended at 68 FR 66720, Nov. 28, 2003; 84 FR 51813, Sept. 30, 2019]

### Source

Source: 64 FR 67047, Nov. 30, 1999, unless otherwise noted.

### Authority

Authority: 42 U.S.C. 1302 and 1395hh.

### Amendments

[64 FR 67047, Nov. 30, 1999, as amended at 68 FR 66720, Nov. 28, 2003; 84 FR 51813, Sept. 30, 2019]