Failure to Timely Issue Refunds to Discharged Residents
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to issue refunds to discharged residents or their representatives within 30 days, as required. Record review and interviews revealed that three residents who were discharged from the facility had not received refunds for overpaid amounts. One resident was discharged to an assisted living facility, and the family member confirmed that despite multiple calls and emails to the Business Office Manager (BOM), the refund had not been received. The BOM acknowledged that a request for the refund was not sent to the corporate biller until two months after discharge, partly due to communication issues with the previous BOM. The Aging Report confirmed that the resident was owed $4,888.20. Further review showed that two additional residents were also owed refunds of $2,177.64 and $871.18, respectively, after their discharges. The BOM confirmed that these refunds had not been processed, as the amounts remained on the Aging Report. The BOM stated that she was aware of the outstanding refunds and agreed with the findings. Photographic evidence was obtained to support the deficiency.