Failure to Notify Residents of Account Balances and Timely Convey Personal Funds
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to notify residents when their personal fund account balances were within $200 of the Social Security Income (SSI) resource limit, as required. Review of the facility's Trial Balance report and interviews with the Business Office Manager and Administrator revealed that several Medicaid residents had account balances exceeding the SSI resource limits. Specific account balances for these residents ranged from $1,611.98 to $2,234.64, all above the $1,600 threshold. The facility did not provide timely notification to these residents regarding their account status in relation to the SSI limit. Additionally, the facility did not convey personal funds to residents within 30 days of discharge, as required. It was identified that three discharged residents had not received their remaining personal fund balances within the mandated timeframe, with delays ranging from 14 to 73 days. The facility also lacked a specific policy addressing the management and timely distribution of resident personal funds, although their Resident's Rights Policy referenced the right to manage financial affairs and be informed of charges against their funds.