Michigan Nursing Home Administrator (NHA) Practice Exam

Under what time frame can a patient access their funds held in a petty cash fund?

1. Only on weekends

2. During normal business hours

3. Only during the first week of the month

4. Anytime

The correct answer is: During normal business hours

Patients can access their funds held in a petty cash fund during normal business hours because these funds are typically managed and maintained by the nursing home's administrative staff. Normal business hours ensure that there are staff members available to assist with any transactions, provide receipts, and maintain accurate records of any disbursements. This access policy aligns with best practices in financial management within healthcare settings, ensuring both accountability and security for the patients’ funds. In contrast, options such as access only on weekends or only during the first week of the month would not facilitate appropriate and timely access to patients who may need their funds for various reasons. Allowing access anytime would introduce significant management challenges and potential risks, including issues of security and oversight. The structure of normal business hours balances accessibility with the necessary controls to protect patients' financial interests.