Committee files ordinance on hospital out-of-county transfers after debate over scope

The Public Safety & Neighborhood Services Committee on May 26 considered an ordinance to require general acute-care hospitals and hospital-based skilled nursing facilities to report annually to the Department of Public Health on patients transferred out of San Francisco for skilled nursing care and on patients who qualify for but were not transferred.

Supporters said such reporting is needed to document the scope of out-of-county discharges and to inform policy responses to shortages of subacute and skilled-nursing beds. Dr. Teresa Palmer, an MD and geriatrician who worked at Laguna Honda for 15 years, told the committee: "We need to know who we're transferring out of town." She urged better local capacity so long-time San Francisco residents can stay near community supports.

Some advocates urged the committee to broaden the ordinance now rather than wait for initial reports. Patrick Monette Shaw said the limited scope was a disappointment and urged immediate amendments to capture more comprehensive data.

After discussion, the committee voted to file the item (a procedural action) and planned a separate June hearing focused on Laguna Honda recertification and transfers. Committee members emphasized the first round of transfer reports will be provided in the fall and used to guide future policy action.