Failure to Convey Resident Funds Upon Discharge
Penalty
Summary
Spring Hill Rehabilitation and Nursing Center was found to be non-compliant with federal and state regulations regarding the management of resident personal funds. Specifically, the facility failed to convey the personal funds of a discharged resident, identified as Closed Resident Record CR984, within the required 30-day period. The facility's policy mandates that upon discharge, eviction, or death, resident funds must be conveyed along with a final account of those funds. However, a review of the facility's trust fund account revealed that CR984 still had an open account with a balance of $41.02, despite being discharged several months prior. The deficiency was identified during a survey that included a review of facility policy, closed clinical records, resident fund account statements, and staff interviews. CR984 was admitted to the facility with diagnoses including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetes, and schizophrenia. The resident was discharged from the facility in November, with arrangements made for medication review and follow-up appointments. However, the facility did not close the resident's account or convey the remaining funds as required. This oversight was confirmed by the Regional Business Office Manager during an interview conducted as part of the survey.
Plan Of Correction
1. The affected former residents will be reimbursed immediately. 2. The Business Office Manager/designee will audit the Resident Trust account statement to ensure other discharged Residents received their refund within 30 days of discharge. 3. Residents who discharge in the future will be refunded their remaining resident trust funds within 30 days of discharge. 4. NHA will educate BOM on the importance of refunding discharge residents the remaining Resident Trust funds within 30 days of discharge. 5. The BOM/designee will audit the Resident Trust statement 1x/week for 4 weeks, then monthly x 2 months. 6. Results to be submitted to QAPI for review and approval.