Need Help with discharge

[nurse955]

This is my situation.

I have a patient who no longer meets homebound criteria. Two weeks ago(Friday), I informed the patient by phone that he will be discharged. During the phone conversation, I explained the reason and he expressed understanding. I also informed the physician and she was in agreement. The following week(Tuesday), I called the patient because discharge paperwork required his signature and acknowledgement. He did not answer, so I left a message. I was able to reach pt 2 days later and we were to meet last Saturday. Prior to leaving home, I called pt about an hour before the scheduled visit time and no answer. The message after 1 ring says "this subscriber does not accept incoming calls". I waited 30 minutes, call again and recieved same message. I called an hour later and several times on Sunday and kept recieving same messgae. This past Monday, I mailed the discharge papers(highlighted the required signature area) via certified mail and return receipt. Thus far, no reply from the post office.

Anyone had a situation like this? If so, how was it handled?

Any suggestion on what I should do?

Thank you in advance

[caliotter3]

I would think that the certified mail receipts would suffice in the case of a unilateral discharge.

[KateRN1]

Is this an OASIS discharge that needs to be signed or just discharge instructions from the agency?