Failure to Provide SNF-ABN Notification Prior to Medicare Part A Discharge
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide the required Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Skilled Nursing Facility Advanced Beneficiary Notice (SNF-ABN) form 10555 to two residents prior to the termination of their Medicare Part A skilled services, despite both residents remaining in the facility after their skilled coverage ended. Record reviews showed no documentation that either resident or their responsible parties received the SNF-ABN notification. During interviews, the facility social worker acknowledged responsibility for issuing the SNF-ABN and admitted that errors in processing led to the notifications not being provided. The Administrator also confirmed that the residents should have received the SNF-ABN as required by federal guidelines.