WAC 388-97-4320. Relocation of residents

(1) In the event of license revocation or suspension, decertification, or other emergency closures the department will: (a) Notify residents and, when appropriate, residents' emergency contacts of the action; (b) Assist with residents' relocation and identify possible alternative living choices and locations; and (c) The nursing home will assist the residents to the extent it is directed to do so by the department. (2) When a resident's relocation occurs due to an emergency closure from a natural disaster, the nursing home may not be required to cease its business operations unless directed to do so by the department. (3) When a resident's relocation occurs due to a nursing home's voluntary closure, or voluntary termination of its medicare or medicaid contract or both, the nursing home must: (a) Notify the department and all residents and resident representatives in accordance with WAC 388-97-1640 ; (b) Notify the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and the public as required by 42 C.F.R. 489.52, or a successor regulation, if the closure or termination affects the provision of medicare services; and (c) Provide appropriate discharge planning and coordination for all residents including a plan to the department for safe and orderly transfer or discharge of residents from the nursing home. (4) The department may provide residents assistance with relocation.