Resident Relocation: Chapter 50 Relocation Process Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to frequently asked questions about the Chapter 50 resident relocation process.
- A Chapter 50 resident relocation plan is required when a community-based residential facility (CBRF), skilled nursing facility (SNF), or an intermediate care facility for individuals with intellectual disabilities (ICF-IID) will be closing, changing the type or level of services provided, or changing the means of reimbursement being accepted, and will relocate five or more residents or 5% of residents.
- Wis. Stat. Chapter 50 requires the facility to provide specific information to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS), Division of Medicaid Services (DMS) for review and approval before beginning the relocation process. Find a detailed description of the requirements in the Resident Relocation Manual, P-01440 (PDF).
- Once the relocation plan is approved, the effective date of the closing or approved change may not be earlier than 90 days if five to 50 residents will be relocated, or 120 days if more than 50 residents will be relocated.
- The intent of the statute is to promote the safe and orderly transfer of residents in a way that diminishes the possible effects of relocation stress syndrome (RSS), also known as “transfer trauma.”
- Residents have the following rights as defined in Wis. Stat. Ch. 50.03(5m):
- Right to adequate care and treatment in the least restrictive and most integrated setting.
- Right to be provided with an opportunity for at least three visits to potential alternative placements before relocation.
- Right to be informed and receive adequate notification of discharge decisions.
- Right to reasonable accommodations of needs and preferences.
- The relocation plan will define how the facility will support residents through the entire relocation process.
- DHS establishes a resident relocation team to oversee and monitor the resident relocations. See the question What is the resident relocation team? for more information.
- The facility will provide a written notice to residents and legal decision makers letting them know their intent to close, change their means of reimbursement, or change the services to be provided.
- The initial notice of intent will invite the residents and legal decision makers to an in-person informational meeting to learn about the facility’s reasons for the change and how residents will be supported. They will also be able to ask questions. Representatives from DHS, the Board on Aging and Long Term Care, Disability Rights Wisconsin, and the aging and disability resource center will participate.
- The facility closing or making changes requiring moves will set up individualized planning conferences with every resident. The planning conferences will include any person the resident wants to participate, including a managed care organization (MCO) representative, for any individual enrolled.
- During the initial planning conference, each resident will express their preferences and desires regarding their next living arrangement.
- With permission from the resident, the facility and/or MCO will make referrals to potential homes.
- A discharge planning conference will be scheduled by the facility after:
- A receiving home has formally accepted
- The resident has toured the receiving home
- The resident has decided which location they would like to relocate to
- The discharge planning conference will include the resident and anyone the resident wants to have there, including the receiving home. During this planning conference, an individualized move plan will be created for the resident.
- After all residents have relocated safely, the facility may close or make the anticipated changes.
- All this activity is documented by the facility and is provided to DHS weekly.
- The resident relocation team will meet weekly to review the documented information and the individualized plan for every resident until each person is successfully relocated.
- The DHS resident relocation team is led by the DMS relocation coordinator.
- The state relocation team oversees available resources to ensure the safe and orderly transfer of and positive outcomes for all residents relocating from closing or changing facilities.
- The team helps ensure that residents, family members, staff, and the community are provided with support, assistance with problem solving, and education regarding the impact of resident relocation stress.
- The relocation coordinator builds each relocation team based on the residents’ needs.
The facility
Notifies residents and legal decision makers and follows all directives of Chapter 50 and the approved relocation plan to support every resident through the relocation process. Reports to the relocation team weekly and as needed during the relocation process.
Division of Quality Assurance
Monitors overall conditions at the facility and for compliance with all applicable state and federal laws and regulations.
Board on Aging and Long Term Care (for residents age 60 and older) and Disability Rights Wisconsin (for residents under age 60)
Monitors resident relocation plans and advocates for individual residents. Represents the interests of residents to promote their choices and preferences.
Managed care organization
Meets with enrolled members and participates in all planning conferences and conversations relating to the member’s relocation plans. Arranges necessary supports and services collaboratively with the facility. Has an open dialog with the facility to ensure all parties are aware of the member’s individual plan. Provides updates to the relocation team regarding meetings with the members, referrals, options being provided, and details regarding discharge plans.
Aging and disability resource center (ADRC)
Participates in the informational meeting to provide community resources and information to residents and family members. Contacts any individual or legal decision maker who is not currently enrolled in a long-term care program by letter or phone call to explain the role of the aging and disability resource center. Participates in weekly relocation team meetings to report contact made with residents. Provides basic information and assistance, options counseling, etc.
County and adult protective services
Participates on the resident relocation team to ensure safe and appropriate relocation assistance for residents involved in legal issues pertaining to their jurisdiction (a person under protective placement order).
Find a more detailed description of roles in the Resident Relocation Manual, P-01440 (PDF).