​​​​​Across Ontario, transitioning patients from hospitals to home, community, and long-term care remains a key challenge for hospitals. A symptom of larger capacity issues within the health care system, it is a critical area of focus for the OHA and its members. Addressing these capacity issues involves developing and implementing solutions that enable patients to receive the care they need, while ensuring that health service providers and caregivers have the support they require to transition patients through the health care system.

​With this in mind, the OHA has developed the following resource to support the standardization of policies and programs related to the transition and discharge of patients from hospitals once they no longer require the type of treatment and care offered at a particular facility.

Managing Transitions: A Guidance Document

​The legislation governing the transition of patients from hospitals to home, community, and long-term care in Ontario has transformed significantly over the last couple of years. In light of these changes, the OHA has updated this resource. 

Managing Transitions: A Guidanc​e Document​, Second Edition aims to promote a standard approach to care transitions and a consistent understanding of the information necessary to support and manage this process. The Guidance Document assists users in complying with legislative and regulatory requirements, while highlighting the important role of health care providers, patients, families, and caregivers in facilitating patient flow across the continuum of care. 

Written by legal counsel who regularly assists health care providers with difficult discharge issues, the Guidance Document focuses on:

• The legislative framework for discharge planning;
• The different roles and responsibilities of those involved; and
• Information to effectively manage transitions in care.
   

Additional Resources:

Form 1 Assessments Under the Mental Health Act - Frequently Asked Questions​​

Speak Up: Managing an Advance Care Plan (Ontario)​

A Practical Guide to Mental Health and the Law in Ontario Revised Edition, September 2016

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