F-Tag F778

§483.50(b)(2)(iii) Assist the resident in making transportation arrangements to and

This F-Tag requires nursing facilities to assist residents in arranging transportation to and from outside services when needed, taking into account the resident's clinical, physical, mental, and financial circumstances. Surveyors assess whether the facility offered and provided such assistance and whether any transportation failures adversely affected resident care. The facility is not required to cover transportation costs but must make reasonable efforts to help residents access affordable options.

F778
(Rev. 173, Issued: 11-22-17, Effective: 11-28-17, Implementation: 11-28-17) 
 
§483.50(b)(2)(iii) Assist the resident in making transportation arrangements to and 
from the source of service, if the resident needs assistance. 
 
PROCEDURES 
 
During record reviews and interviews with residents, family members or resident 
representatives, determine if residents were offered and assisted in making transportation 
arrangements. In order to “assist” a resident, the facility should consider the resident’s 
clinical, physical, mental, and financial condition. For example, assisting a resident who 
has limited funds to be transported by a taxi or a private car service when other, more 
inexpensive options are available would not really be “assisting” the resident. However, 
this standard is not requiring a facility to defray or cover the costs of transportation either. 
 
If any appointments were canceled due to difficulties with transportation including the 
costs of transportation, determine if this was a result of facility procedures. 
 
If there are concerns regarding charges to the resident for any of these services, refer to 
§483.10(f)(10) and (11) - Resident Rights - Self-determination or §483.10(g(17) and (18) 
– Information and Communication. 
 
KEY ELEMENTS OF NONCOMPLIANCE 
To cite deficient practice at F778, the surveyor’s investigation will generally show that 
the facility failed to do any one or more of the following: 

• If required or requested, assist residents in making transportation arrangements to 
and from the source of service; OR 
• If any delay by the facility in making these arrangements adversely affected 
resident care or treatment. If so, also refer to Quality of Care or Quality of Life 
requirements.