Texas LNFA Practice Exam

In long-term care (LTC), how does a transfer differ from a discharge?

Transfer is a temporary move within the facility; discharge is an actual move out of the facility or termination of residency. A transfer ends residency; discharge is a temporary relocation within the same facility. A transfer requires physician clearance; a discharge does not. A transfer involves only administrative changes; discharge involves housing changes.

Correct Answer:

Transfer is a temporary move within the facility; discharge is an actual move out of the facility or termination of residency.

Explanation:

In LTC, the key distinction is whether the move keeps the resident still under the facility’s care. A transfer is a temporary relocation that remains within the care setting (or to another unit or setting) with the expectation that the resident will return and continue residency. A discharge means the resident leaves the facility entirely, ending residency, and moves to another place or back home. This distinction matters for planning and documentation: transfers focus on ongoing care within the system, while discharges require complete discharge planning and arranging follow-up care outside the facility.

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