just what are the medicare rules for documentation

[margaret lattinville]

I would like to know just what are the medicare "rules" on documentation. I work for PA based company in one of the branches in MA. We are now collecting 3 separate signatures on admission and 4 separate signatures on dc. Also the signature for the patient (oops client)to sign each visit. I am told that is to prevent us from comminting medicare fraud and it is the law. I was out of town recently and my cohort and lpn, sent a patient to the hospital and I have to the transfer order evn though I was 1200 miles away.I understand the case manager part but to sign something I was not even in town forbothers me. I was told it is medicare law. I cannot find any laws that spell this stuff out. MGL 484.30(b) says lpn can asses. So is the "law" and where can I find all this stuff.Thanks Peg Lattinville

[caliotter3]

I don't know what the rules are, but would wonder why couldn't the nursing supervisor at the office sign off on what the LPN did? If you were out of town, you were not on duty and technically were not responsible for anything. What if there were some major discrepancy? You are taking responsibility for something over which you had no control. I would not do this. When I am off duty, I am off duty.

[berube]

i do agree that you should not have to do something when you were not working, but it happens all the time and it shouldnt,,,i would not do it,,,and then when it comes time to do the ROC and the office can not enter it into the computer as they dont have the transfer oasis, the sup will do it!!!!!

[tewdles, RN]

You must refuse to sign for things which occured while you were on vacation! If your employer insists...then you must insist that they pay you for those hours that the LPN was working and you were accountable. They are in the business of making money...so by making it about money you will have a voice.