Non-compliance with Timely Payment Regulations
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to comply with Federal, State, and Local laws and professional standards by not ensuring timely payment for goods and services necessary for daily operations. According to the 28 PA Code Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Long Term Care Licensure Regulations, subsection 201.14(g), a facility owner is required to pay bills in a timely manner for services essential to the health and safety of residents. A review of the facility's accounts payable ledger revealed multiple outstanding balances as of December 20, 2024, that were greater than 121 days beyond the terms of payment. These included significant amounts owed to various service providers such as Allstate Pest Management, Concept Medical, and General Healthcare Resources, among others. During an interview, the Nursing Home Administrator confirmed that the facility owners had not provided evidence of payments or payment agreements for the outstanding invoices. Furthermore, the facility administration did not have access to billing or payment records and could not verify whether the listed bills had been paid. This lack of timely payment for essential goods and services demonstrates non-compliance with the regulations, which require facilities to pay bills promptly to prevent jeopardizing the health and safety of residents.
Plan Of Correction
1. January 1, 2025 the company obtained a new accounts payable company. The facility administrator will work with the new company designee to research accuracy of the listed vendors. There are no goods or services that are being withheld from the residents due to the status of the AP liabilities of Ridgeview Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center. 2. The Administrator will receive an AP/Aging report monthly and review the report that bills are paid in a timely manner and continued vital services are rendered for resident care. 3. The Regional Administrator will educate the Administrator on reviewing the monthly vendor AP/Aging report to ensure vital resident services are not interrupted. 4. Administrator/designee will maintain documentation of the monthly review of the AP/Aging reports and implement a monthly accounts payable call to ensure current services for vital goods and vendors are not interrupted and being provided. Results of the monthly accounts payable call will be submitted to the QA Committee for three months for any changes or recommendations.