RCFE Admission, Transfer, and Discharge Procedures 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the purpose of the Residency Agreement that must be provided to every RCFE resident upon admission?
- It assigns a power of attorney to the facility administrator
- It outlines fees, services, discharge policies, and resident rights (Correct answer)
- It transfers legal guardianship to the facility
- It waives the resident's right to file complaints with CDSS
Correct answer: It outlines fees, services, discharge policies, and resident rights
The Residency Agreement is a contract that details the services provided, fee structure, house rules, discharge policies, and resident rights.
Question 2: If an RCFE resident is hospitalized, within how many days must the facility hold the resident's bed if the resident intends to return?
- The facility is not required to hold the bed
- Up to 7 days if specified in the Residency Agreement (Correct answer)
- Up to 14 days by law
- Up to 30 days by law
Correct answer: Up to 7 days if specified in the Residency Agreement
Bed-hold policies during hospitalization are governed by the terms of the Residency Agreement; California law does not mandate a specific hold period unless specified in the agreement.
Question 3: Before accepting a resident who requires hospice services, what must the RCFE do?
- Obtain a waiver from CDSS allowing hospice residents
- Enter into a written agreement with the hospice agency (Correct answer)
- Hire a licensed nurse to oversee the resident's care
- Transfer all responsibility for the resident to the hospice agency
Correct answer: Enter into a written agreement with the hospice agency
California requires a written agreement between the RCFE and the hospice agency to coordinate services before a hospice resident is admitted.
Question 4: An RCFE resident has a right to return to the facility after a hospital stay unless which of the following conditions exists?
- The resident was away for more than 48 hours
- The resident's condition has changed and exceeds the RCFE's care capacity (Correct answer)
- A new resident has been placed in the room
- The family has requested a different placement
Correct answer: The resident's condition has changed and exceeds the RCFE's care capacity
A resident's right to return is protected unless their post-hospitalization care needs exceed the RCFE's licensed capacity to safely provide care.
Question 5: Which form is used in California to document a resident's wishes regarding resuscitation and end-of-life medical interventions in an RCFE?
- Durable Power of Attorney
- POLST (Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment) (Correct answer)
- Living Will only
- Do Not Hospitalize form
Correct answer: POLST (Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment)
The POLST form is a physician's order that documents a resident's preferences for life-sustaining treatment and must be honored by RCFE staff.
Question 6: When must an RCFE update a resident's Needs and Services Plan?
- Only at the annual review
- Whenever there is a significant change in the resident's condition or needs (Correct answer)
- Every six months regardless of changes
- Only when the resident or family requests an update
Correct answer: Whenever there is a significant change in the resident's condition or needs
The Needs and Services Plan must be updated whenever there is a significant change in the resident's condition, health status, or care needs.
RCFE Admission, Transfer, and Discharge Procedures 2
What is the purpose of the Residency Agreement that must be provided to every RCFE resident upon admission?