She signed herself in voluntarily, but now wants to go back home. Her daughter wants to bring her home, but the nursing home doctor won't sign a release form.
Even if the rehab is not complete you cannot be forced to stay. Family needs to ask DON or the doctor why he feels woman needs to stay there. If they don't get an answer they can call the state Ombudsmam to investigate.
A resident of a nursing home is a resident and not a prisoner. She is free to leave at any time. If she insists on doing so, the NH will ask her to sign a waiver acknowledging that she is discharging herself against medical advice. That means that should any harm come to her as a result, they will have no liability and no responsibility for her welfare.
All the same - there is nothing stopping her. But if your opinion is being asked, you ought to point out that the NH's doctor may have extremely good reasons for his refusal to discharge her, and it is a foolish person who doesn't find out the reasons and consider them carefully. Do you happen to know what the reasons might be?
I can’t imagine a nursing home holding someone hostage without a good reason. Are you related to these people? Do you have any more details? Does the NH feel she would be going home to an unsafe situation? Is Adult Protective Services involved?
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All the same - there is nothing stopping her. But if your opinion is being asked, you ought to point out that the NH's doctor may have extremely good reasons for his refusal to discharge her, and it is a foolish person who doesn't find out the reasons and consider them carefully. Do you happen to know what the reasons might be?
Maybe with more information?