REIMBURSEMENT FOR LOST/DAMAGED PROPERTY

I. POLICY:

It is the policy of the NJ Veterans Memorial Home Facilities to reimburse residents and employees for lost/damaged property when it has been determined that the loss or damage of property was due to facility negligence. The facilities accept no responsibility for personal property. Facility negligence can only occur when the facility has accepted responsibility to secure property.

 

1. Persons providing services are expected to exercise reasonable care and responsibility to prevent lost or damage of any individuals personal property.   2. Facilities are not responsible to reimburse the individual for lost/damaged property unless the facility accepted responsibility to secure property.   3. A resident receiving services shall not be reimbursed for their personal property if lost or damaged by their own actions, neglect or disregard to rules. The individual is expected to safeguard their personal property. 4. The individual shall not be reimbursed for items with a replacement value of less than twenty-five ($25.00) dollars. 5. The facility shall maintain an initial inventory of each resident's personal property. The resident/representative is responsible to notify the facility when an update to the inventory is needed. 6. No one will be reimbursed for damage to their vehicles when parked or operated on State grounds. No employee is required to have a vehicle for work performance. Any damage must be handled through their appropriate insurance company. 7. Employees will not be reimbursed for personal property or valuables which are not required for work performance. Employee claims for vision articles must first go through the proper personnel reimbursement procedure before a claim can be filed. 8. Business Managers reserve the right to keep and dispose of any personal property damaged beyond repair.

II. PURPOSE:

To ensure processing of claims, not exceeding $750.00*, for reimbursement due to lost or damage of personal property. Reimbursement by the facility will only be made if it can be determined that loss or damage was the result of facility negligence.
 

III. PROCEDURES:

A. In the event of an incident, the individual should report the incident to the Department Head or Supervisor. Lost or damaged items should be examined by the Department Head or Supervisor.

B. Statements of witnesses are required. Individuals should attempt to secure the names and cooperation of individuals who will attest to having witnessed the incident. If there are no witnesses, indicate 'NO WITNESSES'.


*Claims exceeding $750 must be handled directly by the Department of Treasury and should be forwarded to the following address:

Supervisor of Claims
General Liability Unit
Bureau of Risk Management
Department of the Treasury
CN 620
Trenton, NJ 08625

C. Within 72 hours of the incident, the supervisor must complete the Lost/Damaged Property Claim Form (DFF-44-1). This form must be typed or legibly printed and must contain all available and relevant information. The form must be signed by the individual making the claim and the Department Head or Supervisor, as well as witnesses.

D. The completed claim form must then be forwarded to the Department Head for review.

E. When the Department Head has reviewed and approved the claim it will be sent to the Business Manager, as appropriate, for review as to completeness, accuracy and reasonableness. If the claim is found to be acceptable, the Business Manager must complete and sign a "Statement Supporting a Claim for Lost or Damage to Personal Property," (DFF-44-2) as well as a State of New Jersey Payment Voucher (PV 6/93).

F. The Notice of claim form supporting statement, and all copies of the State of New Jersey Payment Voucher (PV 6/93 must then be sent to the Bureau of Risk Management, Department of Treasury.

G. Risk Management/Treasury Department will review the material and approve or reject the claim.

H. If the investigation concludes that the lost/damage was caused by:

 

1. A resident, then the individual responsible and/or guardian shall be advised and restitution shall be requested and a payment plan established if necessary. 2. An employee or visitor, then the individual shall be advised and restitution shall be sought. a. The employee/visitor may be subject to administrative action.

Revised: July 1998

BUSINESS OFFICE  - 44-02-005

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