VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES

Runk and Pratt at Liberty Ridge
30 Monica Blvd.
Lynchburg, VA 24502
(434) 237-2268

Current Inspector: Cynthia Jo Ball (540) 309-2968

Inspection Date: Nov. 30, 2020

Complaint Related: Yes

Areas Reviewed:

22VAC40-73 ADMINISTRATION AND ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES 22VAC40-80 COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION.

Comments:

This inspection was conducted by licensing staff using an alternate remote protocol, necessary due to a state of emergency health pandemic declared by the Governor of Virginia. A complaint inspection was initiated on 11/30/2020 and concluded on 12/16/2020. A complaint was received by the department regarding allegations of additional fees being charged by the facility due to the current pandemic. The Administrator was contacted by telephone to conduct the investigation. The licensing inspector emailed the Administrator a list of documentation required to complete the investigation. The evidence gathered during the investigation did not support the allegation of non-compliance with standards or law; however, any violations not related to the complaint but identified during the course of the investigation can be found on the violation notice.

Violations:

Standard #:	22VAC40-73-40-A
Complaint related:	No
Description:	Based on document review and interviews, the licensee failed to ensure compliance with the facility?s own policies and procedures. EVIDENCE: 1. The ?Runk & Pratt Senior Living Communities RESIDENCY AGREEMENT?, page 13, states ?B. Adjustments to Rates. The Community shall have the right, upon 30 days prior written notice to you or your verbal consent due to a significant medical change, to change Your [sic] room and board and/or level of care rate and other fees and charges.? and ?E.c. Annual Cost of Living Increases: In order to provide the highest quality of care there is an annual increase of 3.5% to cover increasing operating expenses. This charge is reflected on the invoice in January.?. 2. The ?Runk & Pratt Senior Living Communities ASSISTED LIVING FACILITY DISCLOSURE STATEMENT REQUIRED BY THE VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES?, page 4, states ?Annual increase: 3.5%? and ?Policy regarding increase in charges and length of time for advance notice of intent to increase charges: An annual cost of care increase of 3.5% of the base rate yearly will be assessed in January. The annual increase allows us to continuously prioritize quality services to the residents by addressing overhead costs and retaining appropriate staffing. Increase for additoanl [sic] Levels of Care are assessed as needed and upon re-admission from the hospital. Activities of Daily living are assessed in each ?Care Plan Meeting? and are discussed with family. An annual maintance [sic] fee of $500.00 will be invoiced in July.? 3. Collaterals 1, 2, 3 and 6 received a letter from Runk and Pratt, dated 11/17/2020, that stated ?Runk and Pratt has worked diligently to protect our residents during the COVID 19 pandemic. Until recently we have been successful in keeping our communities free of the virus. Due to the additional daily responsibilities in caring for those effected, there will be an additional daily charge of $300.00 until medically cleared by the Physician. Thank you for your continued confidence in Runk and Pratt and our staff and for your understanding of this necessary change as we navigate these different times together.? 4. Collaterals 1, 2, 3, 4 and 6 received a letter, dated 11/19/2020, that was sent from Runk and Pratt to residents? power of attorneys. Excerpts from the letter include the following: a. ?Due to the higher risk for our staff, the increased hours that they are having to work, all of the extra safety procedures we are mandated to follow, and the required personal protective equipment needed, there will be an extra charge of $300 a day for residents testing positive. All residents testing positive will require this increased level of care for a short period of time.? b. ?It appears that for most of our residents they will only need the increased level of care for 10 to 14 days.? 5. Invoice sent to Collateral 1, dated 11/12/2020, shows that resident 1 was charged $300 daily from 11/12/2020 through 11/22/2020 for a total of $3,300. Invoices sent to Collaterals 2, 3, and 4 dated 11/12/2020, and Collateral 6, dated 11/14/2020, shows that residents 2, 3, 4 and 6 were charged $300 daily from 11/12/2020 through 11/25/2020 for a total of $4,200. Invoice sent to Collateral 5, dated 11/23/2020, shows that resident 5 was charged $300 daily from 11/23/2020 through 12/06/2020 for a total of $4,200. Interviews with Collaterals 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 revealed that there was no verbal consent made to approve these charges. This adjustment to rates was made without 30 days prior written notice and is not within the terms of the ?Runk & Pratt Senior Living Communities RESIDENCY AGREEMENT?. This type of adjustment to rates was not included in the Disclosure Statement, which addressed policy regarding increase in charges and length of time for advance notice of intent to increase charges.
Plan of Correction:	The licensee will ensure that the facility policies and procedures are followed and implemented. In the future, if there are any changes in cost of living/adjustments to rates, the appropriate party will be given written 30 days? notice or a verbal consent will be acquired, in accordance to residency agreement. Going forward, all verbal consents will be documented.