Illinois Nursing Home Administrators (NHA) Practice Exam

When a Medicaid recipient in a facility is transferred to a hospital, how long must their bed be held?

1. none

2. 10 days

3. 21 days

4. 30 days

The correct answer is: 10 days

When a Medicaid recipient in a facility is transferred to a hospital, the bed must be held for a specific duration to ensure that the resident can return without losing their place in the facility. Holding the bed for up to 10 days aligns with the federal regulations that safeguard the rights of nursing home residents, particularly Medicaid recipients, ensuring they have the opportunity to return to their home in the nursing facility after an acute hospital stay. This 10-day requirement helps to maintain continuity of care and gives the resident a chance to recover while ensuring that their place in the facility is not permanently relinquished. Beyond this time frame, facilities may not be obligated to hold the bed, leading to a potential loss of the resident's room or placement. Understanding this time frame is crucial for nursing home administrators, as it directly impacts admissions, planning, and compliance with Medicaid policies.