Failure to Ensure Timely Payment for Essential Services
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. A review of the facility's accounts payable ledger revealed numerous outstanding balances as of December 20, 2024, with amounts overdue by more than 121 days. These unpaid bills included essential services and supplies from various vendors such as Allstate Pest Management, Geisinger Medical Center, and Nutro Co, among others. The total outstanding amount was substantial, with significant debts owed to entities like Total Plan Concepts and the West Mahanoy Township Tax Collector. 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, preventing them from verifying whether the listed bills had been paid. This lack of payment for essential goods and services demonstrates non-compliance with regulations requiring facilities to pay bills in a timely manner 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.