Section 333.21777 - Holding bed open during temporary absence of patient; option; title 19 patients(1) If a patient is temporarily absent from a nursing home for emergency medical treatment, the nursing home shall hold the bed open for 10 days for that patient in the patient's absence, if there is a reasonable expectation that the patient will return within that period of time and the nursing home receives payment for each day during the absent period.(2) If a patient is temporarily absent from a nursing home for therapeutic reasons as approved by a physician, the nursing home shall hold the bed open for 18 days, if there is a reasonable expectation that the patient will return within that period of time and the nursing home receives payment for each day during the absent period. Temporary absences for therapeutic reasons are limited to 18 days per year.(3) When a patient's absence is longer than specified under subsection (1) or (2), or both, the patient has the option to return to the nursing home for the next available bed.(4) For title 19 patients, the department of community health shall continue funding for the temporary absence as provided under subsections (1) and (2) if the nursing home is at 98% or more occupancy except for any bed being held open under subsection (1) or (2).Amended by 2004, Act 372, s 1, eff. 10/11/2004.Add. 1978, Act 493, Eff. 3/30/1979.