MD SB493

Nursing facilities are prohibited from involuntarily discharging residents to hotels, shelters, or other temporary housing, and must receive confirmation from the receiving facility that it can accept the resident before transfer

Residents must receive at least 30 days written notice before involuntary discharge or transfer, with detailed information including the discharge location, reason, hearing rights, and contact information for Maryland Legal Aid, the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program, and Disability Rights Maryland

If discharge information changes after initial notice, new time requirements apply: 30 days notice for changes before the original deadline or if discharge location changes from a skilled nursing facility to a non-nursing facility; 7 days notice if transferring between different skilled nursing facilities

Post discharge plans must identify the resident's post-discharge address and provide a safe, secure, and sustainable environment as determined by the Secretary's regulations

Effective date: October 1, 2026