If a patient using a wheelchair in my health care practice cannot perform a transfer without assistance, do we have to help them?

A: Yes. The best way to help patients transfer by themselves would be to provide an adjustable-height table. In a cases where having an adjustable-height table is not readily achievable, a health care facility must help patients onto the high tables, including lifting them if necessary. The provider should take every precaution to ensure that this is accomplished in a manner that is safe for the patient and the assisting staff. The facility should have policies that require appropriate training in techniques as well as access to mechanical assistance, such as a Hoyer lift, should be in place.