CMS issues final rule on discharge planning

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a final rule last week on discharge planning from acute care. The agency announced the rule aims to empower patients “to make informed decisions about their care” as well as to improve the quality of care transitions. The rule promotes interoperability and requires institutions to focus on the patient’s goals and treatment preferences when planning discharge to post-acute care. According to the announcement, the final rule also “revises the hospital patient’s rights and the facility’s requirements regarding a patient’s access to their medical records.” (CMS news release, 9/26/19)