Failure to Timely Return Resident Personal Funds After Discharge
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain a system for the proper management and timely return of resident personal funds for 8 out of 11 residents reviewed. Anonymous concerns were raised during the survey process regarding mismanagement of residents' personal money by management. Record review revealed that several residents had not been reimbursed their personal funds within 30 days of discharge, with some cases dating back several months. Specific amounts owed to discharged residents ranged from $16.18 to $7,480.00, and in some instances, the non-return of funds dated back to residents who had left the facility as early as December 2023. Interviews with the Business Office Manager (BOM) indicated that resident funds were managed by a third-party system at the corporate office, with the BOM responsible for daily census updates and submitting refund requests after resident discharge. Despite the facility's policy requiring the return of personal funds and a final accounting within 30 days of discharge, eviction, or death, this process was not followed for multiple residents. The deficiency was identified through both interviews and record reviews, confirming that the facility did not adhere to its own policy or regulatory requirements regarding the timely conveyance of resident funds.