There are certain circumstances that may require the emergency placement of a resident into a facility that may be a better fit for their needs. Usually, you will see this coming in advance because of consistent behavior issues or a clinical condition that is rapidly outgrowing your licensure. If you find yourself in a situation such as this, you need to have a paper trail that is documenting the ongoing issue you are having with the resident. The Virginia DOSS has issued the following regulation on how to proceed with an emergency placement:
22VAC40-73-360. Emergency placement.
- An emergency placement shall occur only when the emergency is documented and approved by (i) an adult protective services worker for public pay individuals or (ii) an independent physician or an adult protective services worker for private pay individuals.
- When an emergency placement occurs, the person shall remain in the assisted living facility no longer than seven days unless all the requirements for admission have been met and the person has been admitted.
- The facility shall obtain sufficient information on the person to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the person while he remains at the facility as allowed by subsection B of this section.