NAC449.74463. Finances of patient: Authorization to withhold money.

     1. A facility for skilled nursing shall not withhold from money held by the facility on behalf of a patient any amount for:

     (a) Services related to the maintenance of the patient’s room or bed;

     (b) Supplies and services for routine personal hygiene that are required by the patient, including, without limitation:

          (1) Shampoo, a comb and a brush;

          (2) Bath soap, disinfecting soap or specialized cleansing agents required to treat the medical condition of the patient or to treat infection;

          (3) A razor and shaving cream;

          (4) A toothbrush, toothpaste, denture adhesive, dental cleaner and dental floss;

          (5) Moisturizing lotion;

          (6) Tissues, cotton balls and cotton swabs;

          (7) Deodorant;

          (8) Supplies and services for incontinence;

          (9) Sanitary napkins and related supplies;

          (10) Towels and washcloths;

          (11) Hospital gowns;

          (12) Nonprescription drugs;

          (13) Supplies and services for the patient’s nails; and

          (14) Supplies and services for the patient’s laundry; and

     (c) Medically-related social services required by NAC 449.74523.

     2. Except as otherwise provided in subsection 3, a facility for skilled nursing may withhold from money held by the facility on behalf of a patient amounts for the following items and services:

     (a) A telephone;

     (b) A television and radio for the patient’s personal use;

     (c) Personal comfort items, including, without limitation, smoking materials, notions, novelties and confections;

     (d) Cosmetic and grooming items and services that are not required for routine personal hygiene;

     (e) Clothing;

     (f) Reading material;

     (g) Gifts purchased on behalf of the patient;

     (h) Flowers and plants;

     (i) Items for social events and entertainment that are in addition to the program of activities required by NAC 449.74495;

     (j) Special services required for the care of the patient, including, without limitation, the services of a private nurse or aide;

     (k) A private room, unless a private room is required because of the medical condition of the patient; and

     (l) Food that is specially prepared for the patient or requested in lieu of food that is regularly prepared by the facility as required by NAC 449.74525.

     3. A facility for skilled nursing shall not:

     (a) Charge a patient any amount for an item or service that has not been requested by the patient.

     (b) Require a patient or his or her representative to request an item or service as a condition of the patient being admitted to or remaining in the facility.

     4. If an item or service is requested by a patient or his or her representative for which there will be a charge, a facility for skilled nursing shall inform the patient or representative of the amount of the charge.

     (Added to NAC by Bd. of Health by R051-99, eff. 9-27-99)