The short answer
A nursing home must immediately inform the resident, consult the resident's physician, and notify the resident's representative (such as the health care agent or a designated family member) when there is an accident that results in injury and has the potential to require a doctor's intervention, a significant change in physical, mental or psychosocial condition, a need to change treatment significantly, or a decision to transfer or discharge the resident.
Events that should trigger a call
- A fall or other accident with injury
- A new or worsening pressure injury
- Significant weight loss, dehydration or stopping eating
- New confusion, fever, infection or breathing problems
- Starting or significantly changing a medication or treatment
- A transfer to the hospital or a plan to discharge
Make sure the facility can reach you
- Confirm in writing who the designated representative is and the best phone numbers.
- Ask that notifications be documented in the chart, including the time and who was called.
If you were not told
Late or missing notification is a common finding in Department of Health inspections. Ask for the nursing note documenting the notification. If you learned of an injury or wound on your own, write down when and how, and raise it with the director of nursing.
The rules behind this
- 42 C.F.R. § 483.10(g)(14) (notification of changes)
Related questions
This guide provides general information, not medical or legal advice. Rules change; confirm current requirements with the facility, the New York State Department of Health or a professional. Attorney Advertising.