*TS: Five Sure-Fire Methods: Complying with Standard PC.04.01.01 (PDF/) [REF: CMS, UR/UM, SW] The Source, June 2015, Vol 13, #6, Pg 2 JCs1506_B1

PC.04.01.01 is the TJC Standard that addresses discharge planning and continuity of care. Under the influence of CMS, the related requirements have become more exacting. While this standard may be more challenging for general hospital, It is less so for psychiatric hospitals where discharge planning is a routine part of our work. However, EPs 22-26 specifically address hospitals using Joint Commission Accreditation for deemed status purposes. We are required to have written discharge planning policies and procedures. We are also required upon discharge to provide lists of the participating Medicare home health agencies and Medicare skilled nursing facilities when appropriate to the patient’s aftercare needs and document this in the chart. The article provides a useful reference to a Discharge Planning Booklet from the Medicare Learning Network that outlines relevant CMS requirements (pages 16-18 specifically address Inpatient Psychiatric Facilities). The last two pages of this article include a Discharge Planning and Continuity of Care Evaluation and Tracer Tool@.
Tip1:  SW should review and update as needed the listings of community resources in general and Medicare participating agencies for home health care and skilled nursing in particular.
Tip2: SW should review the CMS Discharge Planing/Discharge Summary Worksheet in our CMS Library along with pages 16-18 of the CMS Discharge Planning Booklet that helps to clarify it.
See also:
Tip3: Incorporate the TJC tracer tool into your mock survey process.