Language Translation
  Close Menu

Resident Transfer and Discharge Information Center

Once an individual is admitted to a nursing home (comprehensive care facility), the facility may not transfer or discharge the resident unless:

  1. the transfer or discharge is necessary for the resident's welfare and the resident's needs cannot be met in the facility;
  2. the transfer or discharge is appropriate because the resident's health has improved sufficiently so that the resident no longer needs the services provided by the facility;
  3. the safety of individuals in the facility is endangered;
  4. the health of individuals in the facility would otherwise be endangered;
  5. the resident has failed, after reasonable and appropriate notice, to pay for (or to have paid under Medicare or Medicaid) a stay at the facility; or
  6. the facility ceases to operate.

This web page is intended to provide residents of nursing homes and their families or representatives with information about transfer and discharge from a nursing home.

Forms

State Form 49669 Notice of Transfer or Discharge  (PDF | Word)
State Form 49831 Notice of Transfer or Discharge Request for Hearing (PDF | Word)

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently asked questions about the transfer and discharge hearing process

Resident Advocate Agencies and Organizations

The State Ombudsman is a State Office that serves as an advocate for nursing home residents. The Indiana Protection and Advocacy Services organization provides assistance, if needed, for residents who are mentally ill or developmentally disabled.
State Ombudsman
Office of the Long Term Care Ombudsman
402 West Washington Street, Room W451
Post Office Box 7083, MS 27
Indianapolis, Indiana 46207-7083
Information/complaint line: 800-622-4484 or 317-232-7134
Fax: 317-972-3285
LongTermCareOmbudsman@ombudsman.IN.gov
https://www.in.gov/ombudsman/long-term-care-ombudsman/overview/
Indiana Protection and Advocacy Services
4701 North Keystone Avenue, Suite 222
Indianapolis, IN 46205
Voice: 1-800-622-4845 or 317-722-5555
TTY: 1-800-838-1131
Fax: 317-722-5564
https://www.in.gov/idr/

Definitions

  • Inter-facility transfer and discharge: the movement of a resident to a bed outside of the licensed facility. For Medicare and Medicaid certified facilities, an inter-facility transfer and discharge means the movement of a resident to a bed outside of the certified facility whether that bed is in the same physical plant or not.
  • Intra-facility transfer: the movement of a resident to a bed within the same licensed facility.  For Medicare and Medicaid certified facilities, an intra-facility transfer means the movement of a resident to a bed within the same certified facility.

Contact

Indiana Department of Health
Division of Long Term Care
2 North Meridian Street, 4B
Indianapolis, IN 46204
Long Term Care Receptionist: 317-233-7442
IDOH Main Switchboard: 317-233-1325
Director of Long Term Care
Brenda Buroker
bburoker@health.in.gov
317-234-7340
Administrative Assistant: 317-233-9691
Fax: 317-233-7322
Office of Legal Affairs (for information about a hearing)
Indiana Department of Health
Court Administrator, Office of Legal Affairs
Division of Long Term Care
2 North Meridian St. Section 3-H
Indianapolis, IN 46204
317-233-7409

Laws and Regulations

Federal Regulations

42 CFR ยง 483.12(a) and 483.10 Transfer and Discharge Requirements

State Rules

410 IAC 16.2-3.1-12 Transfer and Discharge Rights