Failure to Provide Written Notice of Medicare Non-Coverage
Summary
The facility failed to issue the appropriate notice for termination of Medicare Part A benefits for two residents, which could lead to a lack of understanding of appeal rights and the termination of care against the residents' or their representatives' wishes. The facility's policy required that the Notice of Medicare Non-Coverage (NOMNC) and Advance Beneficiary Notice of Non-coverage (ABN) be provided in writing and signed by the beneficiary or their representative. However, the Social Services Director (SSD) only provided verbal notice via telephone and did not send the written forms for signature or documentation. For the first resident, who was admitted with severe cognitive impairment, the SSD documented that verbal notice was given to the financial representative, but there was no signature or indication of the representative's choice regarding the continuation of services. The representative later stated that they did not recall receiving the notice or being presented with options, and would have chosen to discontinue services if asked. Similarly, for the second resident, who had moderate cognitive impairment, the SSD also provided verbal notice without obtaining a signature or documenting the representative's choice. The representative later stated they did not remember receiving a call or being asked about their preference for services. The facility's failure to provide written notices and obtain signatures as required by Medicare guidelines resulted in a lack of documentation and clarity regarding the residents' or their representatives' decisions about their care. This oversight was identified during a survey, and the facility was unable to provide additional information or documentation to rectify the situation before the survey concluded.
Penalty
Resources
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