Federal Nursing Home Administrator Practice Exam

What must the policy for delinquent bills maintain according to standard practice?

1. It must be consistent with all payment types

2. It should charge high interest on overdue accounts

3. It should allow flexibility for residents in paying their bills

4. It should be lenient towards those with a history of good payments

The correct answer is: It must be consistent with all payment types

A policy for delinquent bills must maintain consistency with all payment types because standard practice requires that all residents and their circumstances are treated fairly and equitably. Consistency ensures that all residents understand what to expect regarding billing policies, regardless of their payment method, such as private pay, Medicare, or Medicaid. This approach not only upholds regulatory standards but also helps to foster trust and transparency between the residents and the facility. The aim of such policies is to ensure that they are applied uniformly, preventing any potential discrimination or confusion. By being clear and consistent, the policy enables effective management of accounts receivable while supporting residents in understanding their financial obligations. This can also assist staff in enforcing the policy uniformly, ultimately contributing to a well-run facility. Flexibility, while often beneficial in nurturing relationships with residents, could still fall under the umbrella of consistent policy application if defined clearly, but it does not supersede the need for clarity across payment types.