Md. Code Regs. 32.02.03.04

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 12, June 14, 2024

Section 32.02.03.04 - Notification Upon Death

A. Upon the death of an individual who appears to be an unclaimed deceased nursing home resident, the nursing home administrator should contact any person who, although not having been identified in advance as being responsible for the burial arrangements, might nevertheless at the time of death be willing to claim the body and assume responsibility. A nursing home administrator may wish to initiate contact with potentially responsible persons when death appears imminent.

B. The nursing home administrator shall promptly notify the Department of the death of an unclaimed deceased nursing home resident.

C. In addition to this notification, the nursing home administrator shall furnish the Department with information with respect to:

(1) The burial arrangements, if any, made, or any preferences for the arrangements expressed, by the resident before death;

(2) The nature of the documentation of the pre-arrangements or preferences;

(3) The name, address, and relationship of any individual who was predesignated as willing to assume responsibility for the burial arrangements and the reason they are not assuming the responsibility;

(4) The name, address, and relationship of other known relatives or friends of the deceased and the results of efforts, if any, made by the nursing home administrator to have them assume responsibility for the burial arrangements;

(5) The funds or sources of funds, if any, known to the nursing home administrator that are or could be available to pay the costs of burial;

(6) The arrangements, if any, the nursing home administrator proposes to make for the burial of the individual, including financial arrangements, that take into account any pre-arrangements or preferences stated in §C(1) of this regulation; and

(7) Any other information requested by the Department for proper administration of the law and these regulations.

D. The nursing home administrator shall furnish the required information to the Department as soon as possible after death of the resident or, if possible, when death is imminent, to enable the Department to expedite its approval of burial arrangements.

E. A nursing home administrator shall, whenever possible, plan arrangements for the burial of an unclaimed deceased nursing home resident if there are sufficient funds or resources (including Social Security, Veterans' Administration, or Social Services burial assistance benefits) available to pay the burial costs. These arrangements shall be consistent with the criteria in Regulation .05B of this chapter.

Md. Code Regs. 32.02.03.04