26 TAC 558.295 — Client Transfer or Discharge Notification Requirements

What this rule requires your agency to do

• 1Only transfer or discharge without prior notice under the enumerated exceptions (client request, medical emergency, disaster per §558.256, documented staff/client safety protection after reasonable notice efforts, physician orders, or nonpayment except as prohibited by federal law) (subsec. (e)).(26 TAC 558.295 — Client Transfer or Discharge Notification Requirements)
• 2If delivering by mail, mail the notice at least eight working days before the transfer/discharge date and speak with the client by phone or in person to ensure their knowledge of the transfer/discharge at least five days before that date (subsec. (d)).(26 TAC 558.295 — Client Transfer or Discharge Notification Requirements)
• 3Before transferring or discharging a client (except under subsection (e)), provide written notification to the client or the client's parent/family/spouse/significant other/legal representative, and notify the client's attending physician or practitioner if involved in the agency's care (subsec. (a)).(26 TAC 558.295 — Client Transfer or Discharge Notification Requirements)
• 4Deliver the required notice by hand or by mail (subsec. (c)).(26 TAC 558.295 — Client Transfer or Discharge Notification Requirements)
• 5Ensure delivery of the written notification no later than five days before the transfer or discharge date (subsec. (b)).(26 TAC 558.295 — Client Transfer or Discharge Notification Requirements)
• 6Keep in the client's file a copy of the written notification, documentation of personal contact if notice was mailed, and documentation that the attending physician/practitioner was notified of the discharge date (subsec. (f)).(26 TAC 558.295 — Client Transfer or Discharge Notification Requirements)