Failure to Provide Timely Admission Contracts to Residents
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide admission contract/agreement packets in a timely manner to five residents, as evidenced by observations, interviews, and record reviews. One resident, who had been living in the facility for over two years and had an intact cognitive status, reported only recently being asked to sign a contract for services. The resident expressed dissatisfaction with the process, noting that the contract contained blank areas, missing pages, and insufficient time was given for review. The resident also described being called to a meeting by the administrator, who accused him of discouraging others from signing the contract, which the resident denied. The resident was concerned that the contract could alter his living arrangements and expressed reluctance to sign it. Staff interviews confirmed that the facility was three years behind in providing admission contracts to residents already in the facility, prompting the hiring of a consultant to address the issue. The Director of Social Services acknowledged that the admission contract, which outlines policies, regulations, resident rights, and payment terms, should be provided at the time of admission. An audit conducted by the administrator revealed that several residents had not been offered admission contracts, with most affected residents lacking these documents for over a year after admission. The facility's admission policy, dated January 2025, did not include procedures for providing the admission packet or contract during or at the time of admission.