What’s happening: CMS issued QSO-23-16-Hospitals reminding state survey agencies of the requirement for hospitals to provide accurate and complete patient information to Post Acute Care (PAC) providers during discharge.

What you need to know: CMS identified a concern regarding the information PAC providers, including skilled nursing facilities and home health agencies receive from hospitals, including the following important patient information: 

• Information regarding substance use disorders and mental health diagnoses or histories. 
• A full list of medications for discharge. 
• Information about skin conditions, including skin tears, pressure injuries, etc. 
• Information regarding durable medical equipment. 
• Information regarding the patient’s preferences for care, including end-of-life decisions. 
• Communications about the patient’s needs at home.