Upon discharge, within how many days should a record be completed?

The completion of a resident's discharge record is a critical aspect of care in assisted living settings, as it ensures proper communication of the resident's health status and care needs after leaving the facility. In South Carolina, regulations stipulate that the discharge record must be finalized within 30 days following the resident's discharge. This time frame allows for the necessary documentation processes to be completed adequately, including the collection of all relevant medical information, assessments, and any follow-up care instructions.

Timely completion of the discharge record is essential not just for legal compliance, but also for enhancing continuity of care. It ensures that healthcare providers receiving the resident have all the pertinent information needed to support the resident’s ongoing health and wellbeing. This includes any medications, treatments, or particular needs that must be addressed post-discharge. Therefore, adhering to the 30-day requirement aligns with best practices in resident care and transitions between care settings.