Discharge, Referral, and Follow-Up
ACC.3 There is a policy guiding the referral or discharge of patients.
ACC.3.1 The organization cooperates with health care practitioners and outside agencies to ensure timely and appropriate referrals.
ACC.3.2 The clinical records of inpatients contain a copy of the discharge summary.
ACC.3.2.1 The discharge summary of inpatients is complete.
ACC.3.3 The clinical records of outpatients receiving continuing care contain a summary of all known significant diagnoses, drug allergies, current medications, and any past surgical procedures and hospitalizations.
ACC.3.4 Patients and, as appropriate, their families are given understandable follow-up instructions.
ACC.3.5 The organization has a process for the management and follow-up of patients who leave against medical advice.
Transfer of Patients
ACC.4 Patients are transferred to other organizations based on status and the need to meet their continuing care needs.
ACC.4.1 The referring organization determines that the receiving organization can meet the patient’s continuing care needs.
ACC.4.2 The receiving organization is given a written summary of the patient’s clinical condition and the interventions provided by the referring organization.
ACC.4.3 During direct transfer, a qualified staff member monitors the patient’s condition.
ACC.4.4 The transfer process is documented in the patient’s record.
Transportation
ACC.5 The process for referring, transferring, or discharging patients, both inpatients and outpatients, includes planning to meet the patient’s transportation needs.