The Bureau of Health Systems (BHS), Complaint Investigation Unit, reviews and approves involuntary transfers and discharges of residents from licensed nursing facilities or a distinct part of a nursing facility. The Guidance in the Preparation of a Notice of an Involuntary Transfer or Discharge identifies the applicable statutes and provides instructions for giving Notice of an Involuntary Transfer or Discharge to a resident and the State of Michigan.

A resident may not be transferred or discharged until a discharge plan is approved by the Department, regardless of the outcome of an appeal (hearing). The Facility Involuntary Transfer/Discharge Plan Checklist may be used by the facility to document the transfer plan.

The resident or authorized representative may file an appeal with the Department of Community Health upon receipt of a Notice of an Involuntary Transfer or Discharge to a nursing home resident. This appeal must be in writing and made within ten days of the date of the notice to the Director of the Department of Community Health through BHS. A Request for Hearing will then be sent to the MDCH Administrative Tribunal that notifies the complainant of the hearing date to be held at the facility.

Appeals should include the information requested in the Appeal Form Regarding Involuntary Transfer or Discharge sample form and mailed to:
      Michigan Department of Community Health
      Bureau of Health Systems, Division of Operations
      Complaint Investigation Unit
      P. O. Box 30664
      Lansing, Michigan 48909

For answers to your questions regarding the involuntary transfer/discharge process, contact the Complaint Investigation Unit at (517) 241-4712. Mailing instructions are provided on each form.