Failure to Complete Advanced Beneficiary Notice of Non-coverage (ABN) Forms
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that the Advanced Beneficiary Notice of Non-coverage (ABN) was properly completed for two of three sampled residents. During interviews and record reviews with the Business Office Manager, it was found that the ABN forms for both residents had the required options section left blank, indicating that the residents had not selected or been assisted in selecting one of the available choices regarding their Medicare coverage and potential financial responsibility. The Business Office Manager confirmed that the ABNs were incomplete. Review of the facility's policy indicated that Medicare beneficiaries should be properly notified when they do not meet requirements for covered skilled services, but this process was not followed for the two residents involved.