LAC 48:I.2109. Services and Facilities Other than State General Hospitals

A. Long-Term Inpatients Receiving Unearned Income 1. Facilities treating patients who receive unearned income, are not eligible under Title XIX regulations and have no dependents as defined by the United States Internal Revenue Service shall arrange to have those funds paid directly to the facility. 2. The unearned income will not be applied to the cost of the first 90 days of care but will be placed into a patient account fund. 3. For any treatment received by the patient subsequently to the first 90 days of care, the treating facility shall apply any forthcoming unearned income to the cost of care, less a personal needs allowance. Any funds over the cost of care shall be placed into the patient account fund on behalf of the patient. 4. Upon discharge of the patient, the balance of the funds remaining in the patient account shall be paid to the patient or the responsible person as provided by law. 5. If the facility is unable to have the unearned income paid directly to the facility, billing shall be made in accordance with this policy. NOTE: Items 2 and 3, above, are applicable to Psychiatric Hospitals only.