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 for more than 121 days beyond the terms of payment. These unpaid invoices included essential services and supplies from various vendors, such as medical equipment, pharmacy services, and utility providers, which are critical for maintaining the health and safety of the residents. During an interview, the Nursing Home Administrator confirmed that the facility owners had not provided evidence of payments or payment agreements for these outstanding invoices. This lack of timely payment for essential goods and services demonstrates non-compliance with regulations that require facilities to pay bills promptly to prevent jeopardizing the health and safety of residents.
Plan Of Correction
1. There are no goods or services that are being withheld from the residents due to the status of the A/P liabilities of River View Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. 2. The facility will systematically work to make payments on cited delinquent balances not in dispute, using discretion to ensure that current, essential vendors are paid then paying down cited delinquent balances. 3. The Regional Director of Operations Consultant will educate NHA on the monthly AP/Aging report to ensure vital services are not interrupted. 4. NHA will audit the monthly AP/Aging report monthly for 3 months to ensure vital services are not interrupted due to the status of A/P liabilities. Results of the monthly audits will be submitted to the QAPI Committee for review.