Failure to Timely Return Resident Trust Funds After Discharge or Death
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to return funds from resident trust accounts to the residents or their representatives within 30 days after discharge or death, as required. Record review showed that three residents who were either discharged or had expired still had open accounts with remaining balances. Specifically, one resident with diabetes mellitus and multiple sclerosis was found deceased, yet their account remained open with a balance of $0.40. Another resident with hemiplegia following a cerebrovascular accident was discharged, but their account still showed a balance of $100.07. A third resident with heart failure was found unresponsive and deceased, and their account also remained open with a balance of $0.81. Interviews confirmed that the Nursing Home Administrator was aware of the open accounts and the unreturned funds, and acknowledged the lack of a policy for returning funds within the required timeframe. The Business Office Manager, who may have had further information, was unavailable due to being on FMLA. The failure to return funds in a timely manner was identified through both record review and staff interview, affecting three out of four residents reviewed for money due after discharge or death.