Delay in Resident Access to Personal Funds
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain a resident's right to timely access to personal funds, impacting one resident who was unable to support his wants and needs due to lack of financial resources. The resident, who has a history of type 2 diabetes and a kidney transplant and is cognitively intact, reported requesting his monthly allowance of $30 at the beginning of the month but was repeatedly told by staff that it was not available. Despite multiple requests to the activity staff, the resident did not receive his allowance until he threatened to report the issue to the State, at which point the funds were provided. Review of records showed that the resident's itemization indicated sufficient funds were available at the start of the month, but the receipt for the August allowance was dated much later in the month. The business manager confirmed that while itemization is handled by the corporate office, the actual disbursement date may differ from the recorded date. The activity director stated that funds are given to residents as soon as they are received from the business office, but acknowledged that the allowance for the month in question was not provided until late in the month. Facility policy affirms residents' rights to manage their own money, but this was not upheld in this instance.