Can an Ohio Assisted Living Community Discharge or Evict a Resident?

Yes, but Ohio law restricts when and how. A residential care facility generally cannot transfer or discharge a resident against their wishes unless specific conditions are met — most commonly, that the resident's physical, mental, or emotional condition now requires a level of care the facility isn't equipped to provide, or that the resident's presence poses a health or safety risk to themselves or other residents (persistent non-payment, after proper notice, can also be grounds in some circumstances). Before an involuntary discharge, the facility must generally provide written notice — commonly 30 days, occasionally up to 60, with emergencies being the narrow exception — that states the specific reason for discharge, where the resident is being discharged to, and the resident's right to appeal, including contact information for the regional Long-Term Care Ombudsman. If your family receives a discharge notice you believe is improper, the fastest step is contacting the Long-Term Care Ombudsman immediately, since an appeal typically has to be filed within a specific window after notice is received.