Failure to Maintain Financial Obligations Resulting in Disruption of Essential Resident Services
Penalty
Summary
Facility administration failed to maintain effective financial management, resulting in overdue payments to multiple vendors, including laboratory services, utilities, staffing agencies, and medical supply companies. The administration was aware of the outstanding balances and received multiple demand notices and service discontinuation warnings from vendors. Despite this awareness, the facility did not ensure timely payment, leading to a disruption in essential services. On a specific date, the laboratory services provider placed the facility on a non-payment hold, which resulted in the discontinuation of laboratory services. As a direct consequence, four residents did not receive critical laboratory tests as ordered. These included Depakote levels for two residents, which are necessary to monitor therapeutic drug levels and prevent toxicity, a Comprehensive Metabolic Panel and Complete Blood Count for another resident, and a Hemoglobin A1C test for a fourth resident. Staff interviews confirmed that the missed laboratory services were due to the vendor not coming to the facility because of unpaid bills, and there was no alternative laboratory available for these tests. Additionally, staff reported that the facility had experienced a delayed payroll, resulting in a temporary loss of staff benefits and out-of-pocket expenses for medical needs. The business office manager and administrator both indicated that invoices were forwarded to the corporate office for payment, but payments were not made in a timely manner. The failure to pay vendors on time directly impacted the facility's ability to provide necessary care and services to all residents, as evidenced by the missed laboratory tests and the risk of further service interruptions.
Removal Plan
- Ensured resident lab testing had been completed.
- Ensured an active laboratory services vendor was in place.
- Provided evidence of vendor contract payments to ensure continuity of essential services.
- Audited resident laboratory orders.
- Obtained ordered laboratory testing for affected residents.