Failure to Timely Issue Resident Refunds After Discharge and Death
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure residents received refunds due within the regulatory timeframe of 30 days, and also failed to meet its own 90‑day refund policy. One resident with multiple sclerosis and osteoporosis was admitted and later discharged to an assisted living facility, with nursing documentation confirming the discharge. An invoice showed that this resident’s refund check for $1,565 was not issued until more than 90 days after discharge, exceeding both the facility’s policy and regulatory requirements. Another resident with dementia was admitted and later expired in the facility, with nursing notes documenting the death and notification of the physician, family, and hospice. An invoice indicated that a refund check for $6,440 to this resident’s estate was issued more than 90 days after the resident’s death. The responsible party reported not having received the refund despite multiple contacts with corporate staff. The receptionist, who managed petty cash and communicated with the corporate office, believed refunds should be issued within 90 days and acknowledged that the time elapsed for this refund exceeded that period. The administrator confirmed that refunds are processed by the corporate office, not on-site, and acknowledged that both residents’ refunds were issued later than 90 days after discharge or death and beyond the 30‑day regulatory requirement.
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