HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-2990HCR MANORCARE, INC., IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
Plaintiff CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVAW IA^?>
V. NO.2011- Civ t 4 ---n
ANNIE BRATCHER and o ?
RANDALL LOVE,
Defendants -`
APPLICATION TO CONFIRM ARBITRATION AWARD
NOW, comes HCR ManorCare, Inc., Plaintiff, by and through its attorneys, BARIC
SCHERER, and files the within Application to Confirm Arbitration Award and, in support
thereof, sets forth the following:
1. The parties to this matter were bound by a certain Arbitration and Limitation of
Liability Agreement, a true and correct copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit "A" and is
incorporated by reference.
2. A dispute arose amongst the parties and HCR ManorCare sought arbitration of the
dispute under the terms of the Arbitration and Limitation of Liability Agreement.
3. Arbitration was held before John Mangan, Esquire, Jacqueline Verney, Esquire
and Linda Clotfelter, Esquire after their appointment as arbitrators.
4. Bradley L. Griffie, Esquire as arbitration administrator, served the Defendants
with notice of the arbitration hearing. Proof of said service is attached hereto as Exhibit "B" and
is incorporated by reference.
5. The arbitrators have rendered an Arbitrators' Decision and Award in this matter a
true and correct copy of which is a ached hereto as Exhibit "C" and is incorporated by reference.
1, 9 D, do
ctli-1,7 s15
6. Pursuant to 42 Pa.C.S.A. §7313, a party to an arbitration may make application to
the Court of Common Pleas for confirmation of the award by the Court.
7. Pursuant to 42 Pa.C.S.A. §7316, upon confirmation of the award, a judgment or
decree shall be entered in conformity with the order.
8. Copies of the Arbitrators' Award was mailed to all of the parties on January 28,
2011.
9. No request for modification or correction of the award has been filed by the
Defendants to the date of this application.
WHEREFORE, Applicant requests that the award of the arbitration administrator be
confirmed and judgment be entered in conformance therewith.
Respectfully submitted,
BARIC SCHERER
A60? /1" I'll,
I /I ,
David A. Baric, Esquire
I.D.# 44853
19 West South Street
Carlisle, PA 17013
(717) 249-6873
Attorney for HCR ManorCare, Inc.
VOLU TARY AGRE MENT; If you do not accept this Agreement, the patient will still be allowed to live in,
and receive services in, this Center.
ARBITRATION AGREEMENT ("AGREEMENT")
By ACCEPTING TINS AGREE. ENT, THE PARTIES ARE WAIVING THEIR RIGHT TO A TRIAL
BEFORE A IUDGE AND/OR A JURY OF ANY DISPUTE BETWEEN THEM. PLEASE READ TINS
AGREEMENT CAREFULLY AND IN ITS ENTIRETY BEFORE ACCEPTING ITS TERMS.
This Agreement made oil ?!._ (date) by and between the Parties, Patient
rand/or Patient's Legal Representative (collectively referred to
as °°pa- and the Center , tL is an Agreement intended to require that Disputes be
resolved by arbitration. The Patient's l,egiii Representative agrees that he is signing this Agt oement as a Party, both in
his representative and individual capacity.
A. WHAT IS AR>QITRATIQN?: Arbitration is a cost. effective and time saving method of resolving disputes
without involving the courts. In using arbitration, the disputes are heard and decided by a private individual called an
arbitrator. The dispute will not be heard or decided by a judge or jury.
S. AGREEMENT O ARBITRATE "VISPUTTz? Any and all clahns or controversies arising out of or in an),
luny relating to this Agreement, the AdrnAssion Agreement or any of the Patient's stays at this Center, or a , Center
operated by any subsidiary of HCR-Manor Care, hic., whether or not related to medical malpractice, including but not
Waited to disputes regarding the malcing, execution, validity, enforceability, voidability, urtconscionability,
severability, scope, interpretation. preemption, waiver, or any other defense to enforceabiliy of this Agreement or the
Admission Agreement, whether arising out of State or Federal law, whether existing now or arising in the fiiture,
whether for statutory, compensatory or punitive damages and whether sounding in breach of contract, tort or breach of
statutory duties (including, without limitation except as indicated, any claim based on Patients' Rights or a claim for
unpaid Center charges), regardless of the basis for the duty or of the legal theories upon which the claim is asserted,
shall be submitted to binding arbitration. Notwithstanding the above, nothing in this Agreement prevents the Patient
from filing a grievance or complaint with the Center or appropriate governmental agency; from requesting an
inspection of the Center front such agency, or from seeking review under any applicable federal, state or local law of
any decision to involuntarily discharge or transfer the Patient h-om the Center.
1. Administrator: The arbitration shall be administered by National Arbitration Forum ("NAF'•), 6465 Wayzata
Blvd., Suite 500, Minneapolis, MN 75426; wtiv?v_arbitration-fQmm.co'-A (hereinafter "Ad uinistaator"). If the Parties
mutually agree in writing not to select NAF or if the NAF is unwilling or unable to serve as the Administrator, the
Parties shall agree upon another independent entity to setve as the Administrator, runless the Parties mutually agree to
not have an Administrator.
2. Dcakand for Arbitration shall be made in writing, sent co the other Party via certified mail, return receipt
requested, and filed with NAF (unless N.AF is tautual..ly waived).
3. Arbitrations Panel: The arbitration shall be conducted by three (3) Arbitrators (the "Panel"). Each Party will
select one Arbitrator. The two selected ;Arbitrators will select a third Arbitrator. Each Arbitrator must be a retired
State or Federal Court Judge or a Nfemuer of the State Bar where the Center is located with at least 10 years of
experience as an attorney, NAF approved Arbitrators do not have to be used. If one Party refuses to select its
arbitrator within 30 days of a written request for same- then the Administrator shall select that Parry's Arbitrator.
4. Sole Decision Maker. The Arbitration Panel is empowered with the sole jurisdiction to, and shall, resolve all
disputes, including without limitation, ai?y disputes about the snaking, validity, enforceability, scope, interpretation,
voidability, unconscionability, preemptions, severability and/or waiver of this Agreement or the Admission Agreement,
I
EXHIBIT "A"
alleged acts. If not cancelled, this Agreeent shall be binding on the Patient for this and all of the Patient's other
admissions to the Center without any need or fiuther renewal.
F. OTHER FAQVISIO SS:
1. No Caps/Limits on Damages: There are no caps/linnits on the amount of damages the Pastel can award other than
those already imposed by law in the state in which this Center is located. All state laws, statutes and regulations that
limit awardable damages and define the scope of admissible and hiadmissible evidence (i.e. regulatory surveys,
incident reports, etc.) expressly apply to any arbitration hearing held pursuant to this Agreement.
2. Opportunity to Review & Right to Consult with .Attorney: The Patient (if competent) and the patient's Legal
Representative aclanowledge that the Patient and Legal Representative have each received a copy of this Agreement,
and have had ann opportunity to read it (or have it read to him/hcr) and ask questions about it before accepting it.
Please read this Agreement very carefiilly and ask any questions that you have before signing it. Feel free to consult
with an attorney of your choice before sighing this Agreement.
3. Henefits of Arbitration: The Parties' decision to select Arbitration is supported by the potential cost-
effectiveness and time-savings offered by selecting arbitration, which seeks to avoid the expense and delay in the court
system. The Parties recognize that often the Patient is elderly and may have a limited life-expectancy; and therefore
selecting a quick method of resolution is potentially to a Patient's advantage. The Parties agree that the reasons stated
above are proper consideration for the acceptance of the Agreement.
4. FAA: The Parties hereby agree and intend dial this Agreement, the Admission Agreement and the Patient's stays
at the Center substantially involve interstate commerce, and stipulate that the Federal Arbitration Act ("FAA'') in
effect as of November l; 2008 and federal case law interpreting such version of the FAA shall apply to this
Agreement, shall preempt any inconsistent State law and shall not be reverse preempted by the McCarrau-Ferguson
Act, United States Code Title 15, Chapter 20, or other law. Any amendment to such version of the FAA. is hereby
expressly waived.
5. Binding on ;Parties & Others: The fatties intend that this .Arzreernent shall inure to the direct benefit of and bind
the Center; its parent, affiliates, and subsidiary companies, management companies, executive directors, owners,
officers, partners, shareholders, directors,, medical directors, employees, successors, assigns, agents, insurers and any
entity or person (including health care providers) that provided any services, supplies or equipment related to the
Patient's stay at the Center, and shall inijre to the direct benefit of and bind the Patient (as defined herein), his/her
successors, spouses; children, next of kith, guardians, administrators, legal representatives, responsible patties, assigns,
agents, attorneys, health care proxies, health care surrogates, third Party beneficiaries, insurers; heirs, trustees,
survivors and representatives, including the personal representatives or executors of his/her estate, any person whose
claim is derived through or on behalf of the Patient or relates in any way to the Patient's stay(s) at this Center, or any
person who previously assumed responsibility for providing Patient with necessary services such as food, shelter,
clothing, or medicine, and any person who executed this Agreement or the Admission Agreement.
b. Fees and Costs: The Panels' fees acrd costs will be paid by the Center except in disputes over non-payment of
Center charges wherein such fees and cots will be divided equally between the Parties. NAF's administrative fees
shall be divided equally among the Parties. To the extent permitted by law, any Party who unsuccessfully challenges
the enforcement of this Agreement shall l e required to pay the successful Parties' reasonable attorney fees and costs
incurred to enforce such contract (i.e.; M tion to Compel Arbitration). The Parties shall bear their own attorney fees
and costs in relation to all preparation and attendance at the arbitration hearing, runless the Panel concludes that the
law provides otherwise. Except as stated hove, the Parties waive any right to recover attorneys' fees and costs.
7. Confidentiality: The arbitration p•oceedings shall remain confidential in all respects, including all filings,
deposition transcripts, discovery, docu me ts, or other materials excbanged between the Parties and the Panels' award.
In addition, following receipt of the Panel award, each Patty agrees to return to the producing Patty within 30 days
the original and all copies of documents a changed in discovery and at the arbitration blearing.
8. Waiver of this Agreement: Either Party may file its dispute in a court of law if the other Party approves, which
approval shall only be established by suich Party filing a response to the Complaint without moving in a timely
manner, as prescribed by the applicable rules of court, to enforce this Agreement. However, should one of the Patties
to this Binding Arbitration Agreement breach its terms by initiating a lawsuit in the judicial forum, the Parties
expressly agree that participation in cooperative general discovery while a motion to compel arbitration is pending
shall not constitute evidence of a waiver of the right to arbitrate. A waiver of the right to arbitrate a specific Dispute or
series of Disputes, as described above, relbieves neither Party of the contractual obligation to arbitrate other Disputes.
including both permissive and mandatory counterclaims, unless also subsequently valved.
9. Severability, Integration and Survivel: Any tetxrt, phrase or provision. contained in this Agreement is severable,
and in the event any of them is found. to be void, invalid or unenforceable for any reason, this Agreement shall be
interpreted as if such term; phrase or provision Nvere not contained herein, and the remaining provisions of this
Agreement shall not be affected by suebq determination and shall remain in full force and effect. This Agreement
represents the Parties' entire agreement re arding Disputes, supersedes any other agreement relating to disputes, and it
may only be changed in writing signed by all Parties. This Agreement shall retrain in full force and effect
notwithstanding the termination, cancellation. or natural expiration of the Admission Agreement.
10. No Jury Trial: If thLs Agreement is hound to be unenforceable and arbitration is not compelled, then as a default,
the Parties agree that the disputes shall be, resolved solely by a.judge via a bench trial. Under no circumstances will a
jury decide any dispute.
11. Health Care Decision: The Parties, hereby stipulate that the decision to have the Patient move into this Center
and the decision to agree to this A.greemOnt are each a health care decision. The Parties stipulate that there are other
health care facilities in this community currently available to meet the Patient's needs.
12. Legal Representative: The Patient's ;Legal Representative, by his or her signature below, hereby represents and
stipulates that he/she has been authorized by the Patient ro sign this Agreement on behalf of the Patient_
BY SIGNING BELOW, THE PART S CONFIRM THAT EACH OF THEN,[ HAS READ ALL FOUR t41
PAGES OF THIS AGRE ENT A UNDERSTANDS THAT EACH HAS WAIVED THE RIGHT TO A
TRIAL BEFORE A JUDGE OR J Y AND THAT F,ACH OF THEM CONSENTS TO ALI, OF THE
TERMS OF THIS VOLUNTARY AG EEMENT.
P, mfr,
Printed. Naane (Date)
Signature of Patient
CENTE RE _
r Patient's Legal Representative hou
Representative."
-'-
PATIENT
' E Q REPRESENT
Printed a (Date) 7 AL
i . re of Patient's Legal Representat' in his/her
Representative apactty'
Id sign on b Pub lines above containing the phrase "Patient's Legal
Signature of Center Representative
Signature of Patient's Legal Representative in his/her
Individual capacity
HCR MANORCARE, INC.,
Plaintiff
vs.
ANNIE BRATCHER and
RANDALL LOVE,
Defendants
ARBITRATION PROCEEDING
!AFFIDAVIT OF SERVICE
AND NOW, this .??I day of March, 2011, comes Bradley L. Griffie, Esquire,
and states that he mailed an Arbitration Panel Decision and Award to Defendant, Annie
Bratcher, at her address of 1700 Market Street, Camp Hill, Pennsylvania, by regular mail,
and to Defendant, Randall Bove, at his address of 232 North 15`h Street, Harrisburg,
Pennsylvania, by certified mail. Certified mail to Randall Love was returned as
unclaimed after three notices by the mail carrier and, therefore, notice was sent by regular
mail on March 3, 2011.
Sworn and subscribed
to before me this j -"4
day of 2011.
NOTARY(PUBLIC
Br riffie, Esquire
F ASSOCIATES
&
2 North North Hanover Street
Carlisle, PA 17013
(717) 243-5551
EXHIBIT "B"
0080 J'., SAUM
Notary PubNC
CARLISLE 60ROWN, CUMKRLANO E
My Commission Exptros Apr 111,
HCR MANORCARE, INC.,
Plaintiff
vs.
ANNIE BRATCHER and
RANDALL LOVE,
Defendants
I.
ARBITRATION PROCEEDING
By correspondence of July 1, 2010, counsel for HCR ManorCare, Inc. (hereinafter
"the facility") requested the services of Bradley L. Griffie, Esquire, to serve as
Arbitration Administrator pursuant to the terms of an Arbitration Agreement executed by
a representative of the facility' and by Randall Love (hereinafter "Legal Representative")
as Legal Representative of patient, Annie Bratcher, (hereinafter referred to jointly as the
"Patient"). The Arbitration Administrator gave notice of his willingness to serve in this
capacity by correspondence dated July 14, 2010, further confirming that he had no
interest in the facility nor knowledge of the parties in a manner that would cause the
Arbitration Administrator to be unable to be independent. By correspondence dated July
26, 2010, the facility gave notice to the Arbitration Administrator of the facility's
intended witnesses and exhibits, pursuant to the requirements of the Arbitration
Agreement. By correspondence dated August 4, 2010, the facility named Attorney John
Mangan as its Arbitrator. Upon failure of the Patient or Legal Representative to name an
Arbitrator after notice and request, the Arbitration Administrator named Attorney
Jacqueline Verney as the Patent's Arbitrator. Mr. Mangan and Ms. Verney selected
Attorney Linda Clotfelter as the third Arbitrator for the panel.
EXHIBIT "C"
By correspondence an4 Notice of Hearing dated September 21, 2010, a hearing
was scheduled in this matter do take place on January 10, 2011 to begin at 9:00 a.m. at
200 North Hanover Street, Carlisle, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania. By subsequent
correspondence, an Amended Nearing Notice (attached) dated November 23, 2010, was
forwarded to counsel for the facility, to the Patient, to the Legal Representative, and to
the Arbitrators at their respective addresses rescheduling the hearing to January 24, 2011
at 9:00 a.m. No additional requests for a continuance were received from either party or
counsel. Appearing at the hearing before the Arbitration Panel on Monday, January 24,
2011, were Audrey Lubas, Business Office Representative of HCR ManorCare, Inc. and
David A. Baric, Esquire for HCR ManorCare, Inc.
II. FINDINGS OF FACT:
1. On September 1, 200% Annie Bratcher (hereinafter "Patient"), through her Legal
Representative, Randall Love, executed an Admissions Agreement and an
Arbitration Agreement associated with the Patient's admission to the facility
located at 1700 Market Street, Camp Hill, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania.
2. Paragraph 3.2 of the keferenced Admission Agreement provided confirmation
from the Patient through her Legal Representative that she would pay the room
and board rates to the facility, exclusive of expenses covered by insurance,
Medicaid, Medicare, `Veteran's Administration payments, or related payments,
on behalf of the Patienf.
3. Pursuant to paragraph! 3.2A of the said Admission Agreement, Patient agreed
through her Legal R presentative that she would pay all charges that she
incurred while at th4 facility located at 1700 Market Street, Camp Hill,
Cumberland County, Pennsylvania.
4. The Patient agreed through her Legal Representative that room and board
charges in the amount ! of $209.00 per day would be charged for any period that
the Patient was at the, facility at 1700 Market Street, Camp Hill, Cumberland
County, Pennsylvania.
5. The per diem rate was increased to $268.00 per day, after appropriate notice to
the Patient and pursuant to the terms of the Admission Agreement.
6. Statements of charges were submitted to the Patient and the Legal
Representative for the period from September 1, 2009 through and including the
period covering February 28, 2011, for room and board services, cable charges,
beauty shop charges snd related charges, that were billable on a private pay
basis.
7. All appropriate insurance payments or applicable payments from Medicare or
Medicaid have been applied to the outstanding bill of the Patient by the facility.
8. The facility billed the Patient directly and through her Legal Representative on a
monthly basis for services provided to the Patient.
9. The facility provided monthly past-due notices to the Patient through her Legal
Representative for fees due to the facility for services rendered which remained
unpaid.
10. Neither the Patient, the Legal Representative, nor anyone on her behalf objected
to the billings.
11. The Patient remains a esident at the facility.
12. All payments made tp the facility from all sources have been applied to the
Patient's billing for services provided by the facility.
13. While some private payments have been received, an outstanding balance
remains due for services provided to the Patient by the facility for which private
payment is still due.
14. The total balance due for services provided to the Patient from admission on
September 1, 2009 to the date of hearing is $3,315.98.
15. Pursuant to paragraphs 6 of the Arbitration Agreement executed between the
parties, in a dispute over non-payment of facility charges the Panel's and
Administration fees will be paid equally by the parties.
16. The dispute between the parties in this matter involved the non-payment of
charges.
17. The facility made a fotmal Demand for Arbitration pursuant to the terms of the
Arbitration Agreement upon the Patient and the Responsible Parry by
correspondence May 1, 2010.
18. Proper notice of the tie and place of the hearing was provided to the facility, to
the Patient and to the Legal Representative, pursuant to the terms of the
Arbitration Agreement.
19. No request for a continuance, nor other contact, was made by the Patient nor the
Legal Representative v ith the Arbitration Administrator, nor with any member
of the Arbitration Panel prior to the hearing.
20. The hearing began at :18 a.m. on Monday, January 24, 2011 at 200 North
Hanover Street, Carlisl , Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, after delaying the
hearing 15 minutes from the original scheduled start time for the hearing of 9:00
a.m., to allow the P?tient or Patient's Legal Representative to appear or
otherwise make contac? with the Arbitration Administrator.
21. The Arbitration Administrator is not aware of any efforts made by the Patient
nor her Legal Representative to contact the Arbitration Administrator relative to
their inability to attend the hearing.
III. CONCLUSIONS OF LAIV:
The Patient, Annie $ratcher, (hereinafter "Patient") through her Legal
Representative, Randall Love, entered into the terms and conditions of the Admission
Agreement and the Arbitration Agreement executed by the Patient's Legal
Representative, with the facility, HCR ManorCare, Inc., on September 1, 2009. The
contracts are binding and provides all appropriate notices pursuant to Pennsylvania law.
The binding Arbitration Agreeipient provides that all claims and controversies between
the facility and the Patient willl be resolved through application of the terms of the
Arbitration Agreement. The Pa?ient has failed to meet her obligations under the terms of
the Admission Agreement to coknpensate the facility for services provided to the Patient.
Proper notice of services rendered and fees incurred was provided by the facility to the
Patient pursuant to the terms of the Admission Agreement. The parties and legal counsel
received proper notice of all proceedings under the Arbitration Agreement, including
Notice of the hearing.
ARBITRATORS' AWARD
Pursuant to the finding set forth herein, Judgment is hereby entered against
Annie Bratcher and Randall L ve, in favor of HCR ManorCare, Inc. in the amount of
HCR MANORCARE, INC.,
Plaintiff
VS.
ANNIE BRATCHER and
RANDALL LOVE,
Defendants
ARBITRATION PROCEEDING
CtRTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I, Bradley L. Griffie, squire hereby certify that I did, the day of January,
2011, cause a copy of the Arbitration Panel Decision and Award to be served upon the
Plaintiff and Defendants by serving them by first class mail, postage prepaid, and
certified mail, at the following i ddresses:
David A. Baric, Esquire
19 West South Street
Carlisle, PA 17013
Annie Bratcher
1700 Market Street
Camp Hill, PA 17011
DATE: lad (I
Randall Love
232 North 15`h Street
Harrisburg, PA 17103
Griffle, Esquire
tRIFFIE & ASSOCIATES
200 North Hanover Street
Carlisle, PA 17013
(717) 243-5551
(800) 347-5552
SHERIFF'S OFFICE OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY
Ronny R Anderson
Sheriff
Jody S Smith
Chief Deputy
Richard W Stewart
Solicitor
HCR ManorCare, Inc.
vs.
Randall Love (et al.)
FILED-OFFICE
LE THE PROTH10110TARY
2211 MAR 29 PM 1: 02
CUMBFRLANO CM,TY
PEMIISYLVANHA
Case Number
2011-2990
SHERIFF'S RETURN OF SERVICE
03/11/2011 Ronny R. Anderson, Sheriff who being duly sworn according to law states that he made a diligent search
and inquiry for the within named defendant, to wit: Randall Love, but was unable to locate him in his
bailiwick. He therefore deputized the Sheriff of Dauphin County, Pennsylvania to serve the within
Application to Confirm Arbitration Award according to law.
03/21/2011 09:17 PM - Dauphin County Return: And now March 21, 2011 at 2117 hours I, John P. Durante, Sheriff of
Dauphin County, Pennsylvania, do hereby certify and return that I served a true copy of the within
Complaint and Notice, upon the within named defendant, to wit: Randall Love by making known unto
himself personally, at 232 N. 15th Street, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17103 its contents and at the same
time handing to him personally the said true and correct copy of the same.
03/24/2011 Ronny R. Anderson, Sheriff, who being duly sworn according to law, states that on March 24, 2011 at
1025 hours, he was unable to serve a true copy of the within Application to Confirm Arbitration Award,
upon the within named defendant, to wit: Annie Bratcher. Deputies were advised, Annie Bratcher is
currently residing in the Alzheimer's Unit and is not competent to accept service. Her Power of Attorney is
Randall Love located at 232 N. 15th Street, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.
SHERIFF COST: $68.44
March 28, 2011
SO ANSWERS,
RON R ANDERSON, SHERIFF
Mtfirr- of the "i?11cri-fit
William T. Tully
Solicitor
p
Dauphin County
101 Market Street
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17101-2079
ph: (717) 780-6590 fax: (717) 255-2889
Jack Duignan
Chief Deputy
Michael W. Rinehart
Assistant Chief Deputy
Jack Lotwick
Sheriff
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
County of Dauphin
HCR MANORCARE INC.
VS
RANDALL LOVE
Sheriff s Return
No. 2011-T-1382
OTHER COUNTY NO. 20112990
And now: MARCH 21, 2011 at 9:17:00 AM served the within COMPLAINT upon RANDALL
LOVE by personally handing to RANDALL LOVE 1 true attested copy of the original COMPLAINT
and making known to him/her the contents thereof at 232 N 15TH STREET HBG PA 17103
Sworn and subscribed to
before me this 24TH day of March, 2011
-)P*Z
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA
NOTARIAL SEAL
Karen M. Hoffman, Notary Public
City of Harrisburg, Dauphin County
M Commission Expires August 17, 2014
So Answers,
klz?°lc-
Sheriff of
By
Deputy: DARIN S SHERFEV
Sheriffs Costs: $41.25 3/16/2011
HCR MANORCARE, INC.,
Plaintiff
V.
ANNIE BRATCHER and
RANDALL LOVE,
Defendants
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
NO. 2011-2990 CIVIL TERM
AFFIDAVIT OF SERVICE
TO THE PROTHONOTARY:
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I certify that the attached correspondence dated March 15, 2011 was mailed to each
Defendant via United States First Class mail along with a copy of the Rule dated March 14, 2011
and was not returned to me as undeliverable.
l
4;(, ??' 41
David A. Baric, Esquire
DATE: March 30, 2011
BARIC
Attorneys-at-Law
SCHERER
David A. Baric
Michael A. Scherer
Tricia D. Naylor
Bret P. Shaffer
19 West South Street
Carlisle, Pennsylvania 17013
(717) 249-6873
(717) 249-5755 - Fax
dbaric@baricscherer.com
March 15, 2011
Randall Love
232 North 15`h Street
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17103
Arnie Bratcher
1700 Market Street
Camp Hill, Pennsylvania 17011
RE: HCR ManorCare. Inc. v. Annie Bratcher and Randall Love
No. 2011-2990 Civil Term
Dear Ms. Bratcher and Mr. Love:
Enclosed fmd a copy of the March 14, 2011 Rule signed in the above matter by Judge
Ebert.
Very truly yours,
DAB/jl
Enc.
cc:
File
BARIC SCHERER
/)? j ,a
David A. Baric, Esquire
dab.dir/manorcare/bratcher/bratcher&love.ltr
HCR MANORCARE, INC.,
Plaintiff
V.
ANNIE BRATCHER and
RANDALL LOVE,
Defendants
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
NO. 2011- 99 ID
RULE
AND NOW, this day of MOWN , 2011, upon consideration of the
foregoing Application To Confirm Arbitration Award, it is hereby ordered that
(1) a rule is issued upon the Defendants to show cause why the Plaintiff is not entitled
to the relief requested;
(2) the Defendants shall file an answer to the Application within -JA_ days of this
date;
(3) the Application shall be decided under Pa.R.C.P. No. 206.7;
(4) depositions shall be completed within _110 days of this date;
(5) argument shall be held on I r'1tE3,]b l , the day of
- M"_ , 2011, at 8:,AQ a.m./pow. in Courtroom -I- of the Cumberland County
Courthouse; and
(6) notice of the entry of this order shall be provided to all parties by the Plaintiff.
BY THE COURT,
J.
0
HCR MANORCARE, INC., IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
Plaintiff CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
V. NO. 2011-2990
-y ---
ANNIE BRATCHER and MW
- ..J
?
RANDALL LOVE
r-- :te
,
_
Defendants= a
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MOTION TO MAKE RULE ABSOLUTE S_; W
AND NOW, comes Plaintiff, HCR ManorCare, Inc., by and through its attorneys, $anc
Scherer, and files the within Motion to Make Rule Absolute and, in support thereof, sets forth the
following:
1. Plaintiff filed an Application To Confirm Arbitration Award in this matter, a true
and correct copy of said Application is attached hereto as Exhibit "A" and is incorporated.
2. By Rule dated March 14, 2011, the Honorable M.L. Ebert, Jr., directed the
Defendants, to show cause why the Application should not be granted within twenty (20) days of
service. A true and correct copy of the Rule is attached hereto as Exhibit "B" and is
incorporated.
3. To April 14, 2011, no answer has been filed by the Defendants.
WHEREFORE, Plaintiff requests confirmation of the arbitration award in this matter in
the amount of $3,713.48 and a judgment entered of record in this matter.
Respectfully submitted,
C SR
1RI4
David A. Baric, Esquire
I.D. # 44853
19 West South Street
Carlisle, Pennsylvania 17013
(717) 249-6873
Attorney for Plaintiff
HCR MANORCARE, INC., IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
Plaintiff CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
V. NO. 2011- O
ANNIE BRATCHER and
RANDALL LOVE,
Defendants
RULE
AND NOW, this day of , 2011, upon consideration of the
foregoing Application To Confirm Arbitration Award, it is hereby ordered that
(1) a rule is issued upon the Defendants to show cause why the Plaintiff is not entitled
to the relief requested;
(2) the Defendants shall file an answer to the Application within days of this
date;
(3) the Application shall be decided under Pa.R.C.P. No. 206.7;
(4) depositions shall be completed within days of this date;
(5) argument shall be held on , the day of
2011, at a.m./p.m. in Courtroom of the Cumberland County
Courthouse; and
(6) notice of the entry of this order shall be provided to all parties by the Plaintiff.
BY THE COURT.
J.
EXHIBIT "A"
HCR MANORCARE, INC.,
Plaintiff
V.
ANNIE BRATCHER and
RANDALL LOVE,
Defendants
APPLICATION TO CONFIRM ARBITRATION AWARD
NOW, comes HCR ManorCare, Inc., Plaintiff, by and through its attorneys, BARIC
SCHERER, and files the within Application to Confirm Arbitration Award and, in support
thereof, sets forth the following:
The parties to this matter were bound by a certain Arbitration and Limitation of
Liability Agreement, a true and correct copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit "A" and is
incorporated by reference.
2. A dispute arose amongst the parties and HCR ManorCare sought arbitration of the
dispute under the terms of the Arbitration and Limitation of Liability Agreement.
3. Arbitration was held before John Mangan, Esquire, Jacqueline Verney, Esquire
and Linda Clotfelter, Esquire after their appointment as arbitrators.
4. Bradley L. Griffie, Esquire as arbitration administrator, served the Defendants
with notice of the arbitration hearing. Proof of said service is attached hereto as Exhibit "B" and
is incorporated by reference.
5. The arbitrators have rendered an Arbitrators' Decision and Award in this matter a
true and correct copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit "C" and is incorporated by reference.
6. Pursuant to 42 Pa.C.S.A. §7313, a party to an arbitration may make application to
the Court of Common Pleas for confirmation of the award by the Court.
7. Pursuant to 42 Pa.C.S.A. §7316, upon confirmation of the award, a judgment or
decree shall be entered in conformity with the order.
8. Copies of the Arbitrators' Award was mailed to all of the parties on January 28,
2011.
9. No request for modification or correction of the award has been filed by the
Defendants to the date of this application.
WHEREFORE, Applicant requests that the award of the arbitration administrator be
confirmed and judgment be entered in conformance therewith.
Respectfully submitted,
BARIC SCHERER
David A. Baric, Esquire
I.D.# 44853
19 West South Street
Carlisle, PA 17013
(717) 249-6873
Attorney for HCR ManorCare, Inc.
VOLU. TARP AGREEMIENT: If you do not accept this Agreement, the Patient will still be allowed to fire in,
and receive services in, this Center.
ARBITRA ION AGREEMENT ("AGREEMENT-
BY ACCENTING THIS AGRE)CMENT, THE PARTIES ARE WAIVING THEIR RIGHT TO A TRIAL
BEFORE A KDGE AND/OR A JURY OF ANY DISPUTE BETWEEN THEM, PLEASE READ THIS
AGREEMENT CAREFULLY AND IN ITS ENTIRETY BEFORE ACCEPTING ITS TERMS.
This Agreement made on Z l ._ (date) b)- and between the Parties, Patient
_(?/ and/or Patient's Legal Representative d&> (collectively referred to
as "Patient" ), and the Center is an Agreement intended to require that Disputes be
resolved by arbitration. The Patient's Legal Representative agrees that he is signing this Agl•ooment as a Party, both in
his representative and individual capacit}?-
A. WHAT IS ARBITI2TI9K": Arbitration is a cost effective and time saving method of resolving disputes
without involving the couxts. In using arbitration, the disputes are heard and decided by a private individual called an
arbitrator. The dispute will not be heard or decided by a judge or jury.
8. AGREEMENT O AR.BI RATE "DISPUTE-K. Any and all clahns or controversies arising out of or in an'v
way relating to this Agreement, the Admission Agree=tit or any of the Patient's stays at this Center, or any Center
operated b , any subsidiary of MICR-Manor Care, Inc.; whether or riot related to medical malpractice, including but not
limited to disputes regarding the making, execution, validity, enforceability, voidability, uticonscionahiltty,
saverab.ility, scope; interpretation, preemption, waiver, or any other defense to enforceability of this Agreement or the
Admission Agreement, whether arising out of State or Federal law, whether existing now or arising in the fiittue,
whether for sta.tttory, compensatory or punitive damages and ,-whether sounduig in breach of contract, tort or, breach of
statutory duties (utcluding, without limitation except as indicated, any claim based on Patients' Rights or a claim for
unpaid Center charges), regardless of the basis for the duty or of the legal theories upon which the clairn is asserted,
shall be submitted to binding arbitration. Notwithstanding the above; nothing in this Agreement prevents the Patient
from filing a grievance or complaint with the Center or appropriate governmeuta.l agency; from requesting an
in.pectioa of the Center from such agency; or from seeking review under any applicable federal, state or local late of
any decision to involuntarily discharge or transfer the Patient 5-om the Center.
1. Administrator: The arbitration shall be administered by National Arbitration Forian ("NAF" ), 6465 Wayzata
Blvd., Suite 500, Mirmeap0li5. MN 55426; wwy%w.arbitratiotr-l.Q1um.CVirr (hereinatler "Adrniaistra.tor" ). If the Parties
mutually agree in writing not to select NAF or if the NAF is unwilling or unable to serve as the Administrator, the
Parties shall agree upon another indepetident entity to serve as the Administrator, unless the Parties mutually agree to
not have an Administrator,
2. Demand for Arbitration shall be made in writing; sent to the other Part}- via certified mail, return receipt
requested, and filed with NAF (unless N.AF is tnutual.ly waived).
3. Arbitration Panel: The arbitration shall be conducted by three (3) Arbitrators (the "Panel"). Each Party will
select one Arbitrator. The two seluuwd Arbitrators will select a third Arbitrator. Each Arbitrator must be a retired
State or Federal Court Judge or a Member of the State Bar where the Center is located with at least 10 years of
experience as an attorney. NAF approved Arbitrators do not have to be used. If one Patty refuses to select its
arbitrator within 30 days of a written request for same, then the Administrator shall select that Party's Arbitrator.
4. Sole Decision Maker. The ,.lu-bitration Parcel is empowered with the sole jurisdiction to, and shall, resolve all
disputes, including without limitation, any disputes about the nuking, validity, enforceability, scope, interpretation,
voidability, unconscionability, preemption, severability and/or waiver of this Agreement or the Admission Agr.erneat,
EXHIBIT "A"
alleged acts. If not cancelled, this Agreement shall be binding on the Patient for this and all of the Patient's other
admissions to the Center without any need for fiuther renewal.
Y. OTBER PROVISIONS:
1. No Caps/L.itnits on Damages: There are no caps/limits on the amount of dantages the Pastel can award other than
those already imposed by law in the state in which this Center is located. All state laws, statutes and regulations that
limit awardable damages and defui.e the scope of admissible and inadmissible evidence (i.e. regulatory surveys.
incident reports, etc.) expressly apply to any arbitration hearing held pursuant to this Agreement.
Opportunity- to Review & Right to Consult with ,Attorney: The Patient (if competent) and the Patient's :Legal
Representative acknowledge that the Patient and Legal Representative have each received a copy of this Agreement,
and have had an oppott inity to read it (or have it read to hint/her) and ask questions about it before accepting it.
Please read this Arreement very carefiilly and ask any questions that you have before sipiog it. Feel free to consult
with an attorney of your choice before signing this Agreenwr)t.
3. Henefits of Arbitration: The Parties' decision to select Arbitration is supported by the potential cost.
effectiveness and tune-savings offered by selecting arbitration. which seeks to avoid the expense and delay in the court
system. The Parties recognize that often the Patient is elderly and may have a limited life-expectancy, and therefore
selecting a quick method of resolution is potentially to a Patient's advantage. The Parties agree that the reasons stated
about are proper consideration for the acceptance of the Agreement.
. FAA: The Parties hereby agree and intend drat this Agreemcnt, the Admission Agreement and the Patient's stays
at the Center substantially vivolve interstate commerce, and stipulate that the Federal Arbitration Act ("FAA") in
effect as of November 1, 2003 a.nd federal case law interpreting such versiozz of the FAA shall apply to this
Agreement, shall preempt ally inconsistent State law and shall not be reverse preempted by the McCarran-Ferguson
Act. United States Code Title 15, Chapter 20, or other law. Any amendment to sucli version of the FAA is hereby
expressly waived.
5. Binding on ;Parties & Others: The Parties intend that this Ag'eernent shrill inure to the direct benefit of and bind
the Center; its parent, affiliates. and subsidiaty companies, management companies, executive directors, oNa+ners,
officers, partners, shareholders, directors, medical directors, employees, successors, assigns, agents, insurers acid any
entity or person (including health care providers) that provided any services, supplies or equipment related to the
Patient's stay at the Center, and shall insure to the du•ect benefit of and bind the Patient (as defined herein), his/her
successors, spouses; children. next of kin, guardians, administrators, legal representatives, responsible parties, assigns,
agents, attorneys, health care proxies, health care surrogates, third Party beneficiaries, insurers; heirs, trustees,
survivors and representatives, including the personal representatives or oxecutors of his/her estate, any person whose
clab-a is derived throlmll or ors behalf of the Patient or relates to any way to the Patient's stay(s) at this Center, or any
person who previously assumed responsibility for providing Patient with necessary services such as food, shelter,
clothing, or medicine, and any person who executed this Agreement or the Admission Agreement.
6. Fees and Costs: The Pamels' fees and costs will be paid by the Center except di disputes over Lion-payment of
Center charges wherein such fees and costs will be divided equally between the Parties. NAF's administrative fees
shall be divided equally among the Parties. To the extent permitted by taw, any Party who unsuccessfitily c.ltal.lenges
the enforcement of this Agreement shall be required to pay the successful Parties' reasonable attorney fees and costs
moored to enforce such contract (i.e., Motion to Contpel Arbitratiorn). The Parties shall bear their own attorney fees
and costs in relation to all preparation and attendance at the arbitration heating, unless the Panel concludes that the
law provides otherwise. Except as stated above, the Parties waive any right to recover attorneys' fees and cost,,.
7. Confidentiality: The arbitration proceedings shall remain confidential in all respects, including all frlulgs,
deposition. transcripts, discovery doctunnemts, or other materials excbanged between the Parties and the Panels' award.
In addition, following receipt of the Panels' award, each Party agrees to return to the producing Party ?Athin 30 days
the original and all copies of documents exchanged in discovery and at the arbitration Hearing.
8. Waiver of this Agreement: Either Party may file its dispute in a court of law if the other Party approves, which
approval shall only be established by such Party filing a response to the Complaint without tnovuig in a timely
manner, as prescribed by the applicable rules of court. to enforce this ,Agreement, however, should one of [he Parties
to this Binding Arbitration Agreentrent breach its terms by initiatina, a lawsuit in the judicial fonrm, the Parties
expressly agree that participation in cooperative general discovery -,vhile a motion to compel arbitration is pending
shall not constitute evidence of a waiver of the right to arbitrate. A waiver of the right to arbitrate a specific Dispute of
series of Disputes, as described above, relieves neither Party of the contractual obligation to arbitrate other Disputes,
includine both permissive and mandatory counterclaims. unless also subsequently valved.
9. Severability, Integration and Survival: Any term, phrase or provision contained in this Agreement is severable,
acrd in the event any of them is found. to be void, invalid or unenforceable for any reason; this A¢reentent shall be
interpreted as if such term; phrase or provision were not contained herein, arid. the remaining provisions of this
Agreement shall not be affected by such determination and shall remain in full force and effect. This Agreement
represents the .Parties' entire agreement regarding Disputes, supersedes any other- agreement relating to disputes, and it
may only be changed in writing signed by all Parties. This Agreement shall remain in full force and effect
not i,idtstanding the termination, cancellation or natural expiration of the Admission Agreement.
10, No Jury Trial: If this Agreement is found to be unenforceable and arbitration is not compelled, then as a default,
the Parties agree that the disputes shall be resolved solely by a judge via a bench trial. Under no circumstances will a
.jury decide any dispute.
11. Health Care Decision: The Parties hereby stipulate that the decision to have the Patient move into this Center
and the decision to agree to this Ar_ueentent are each a health care decision. The Parties :stipulate that there are other
health care facilities in this community curTently available to meet the Patient's needs,
12. Legal Representative: The Patient's Legal Representative, by his or her signature below, hereby represents and
stipulates that he/she has been authorized by the patient to sign this Agreement on behalf of the Patient.
BY SIGNING BELOW, THE PARTIES CONFIRM THAT EACH OF THEM HAS READ ALL FMR (4)
PAGES OF THIS AGREEMENT AND UNDERSTANDS THAT EACH HAS WAIVED THE RIGHT TO A
TRIAL BEFORE A JUDGE OR JURY AND THAT EACH OF THEM CONSENTS TO ALL OF THE
TERMS OF THIS VOLUNTARY AGREEMENT.
e*1T E:
P TIENT: PATIENT' EGAL REPRESENT
????.?>r???? Wit----
Printed. Name (Date) Printed e ? (Date)
Slauaturc of Patient gn. xe of Patient's Legal Representat' in hinter
Representative apacity _
CENTS ERE - ??
r Patient's Legal Representative should sign on 1>9-th line; above contamina dw pbxasc -`Patient's Lczal
Representative."
?i
Signature of Center Representative
Signature of patietxt's Legal Representative in his/her
Individual capacity
HCR MANORCARE, INC.,
Plaintiff
ARBITRATION PROCEEDING
VS. :
ANNIE BRATCHER and
RANDALL LOVE,
Defendants
AFFIDAVIT OF SERVICE
AND NOW, this 1!- day of March, 2011, comes Bradley L. Griffie, Esquire,
and states that he mailed an Arbitration Panel Decision and Award to Defendant. Annie
Bratcher, at her address of 1700 Market Street, Camp Hill, Pennsylvania, by regular mail,
and to Defendant, Randall Love, at his address of 232 North 15th Street, Harrisburg,
Pennsylvania, by certified mail. Certified mail to Randall Love was returned as
unclaimed after three notices by the mail carrier and, therefore, notice was sent by regular
mail on March 3, 2011.
Br .kj,'Griffie, Esquire
F,FIE & ASSOCIATES
20KNorth Hanover Street
Carlisle, PA 17013
(717) 243-5551
Sworn and subscribed
to before me this J
day of IYL ;L&k , 2011.
NOTARYTUBLIC
EXHIBIT "B"
` RONH[ Jt. .t1'
Notary Public
CARLISLE BOROUGH, CUMBERLAND COUMV
201
My Commission Expires Apr J7, 1
?. HCR MANORCARE, INC., :
Plaintiff
vs.
ARBITRATION PROCEEDING
ANNIE BRATCHER and
RANDALL LOVE,
Defendants
ARBITRATION PANEL DECISION AND AWARD
1. PROCEDURAL HISTORY:
By correspondence of July 1, 2010, counsel for HCR ManorCare, Inc. (hereinafter
"the facility") requested the services of Bradley L. Griffie, Esquire, to serve as
Arbitration Administrator pursuant to the terms of an Arbitration Agreement executed by
a representative of the facility and by Randall Love (hereinafter "Legal Representative")
as Legal Representative of patient, Annie Bratcher, (hereinafter referred to jointly as the
"Patient"). The Arbitration Administrator gave notice of his willingness to serve in this
capacity by correspondence dated July 14, 2010, further confirming that he had no
interest in the facility nor knowledge of the parties in a manner that would cause the
Arbitration Administrator to be unable to be independent. By correspondence dated July
26, 2010, the facility gave notice to the Arbitration Administrator of the facility's
intended witnesses and exhibits, pursuant to the requirements of the Arbitration
Agreement. By correspondence dated August 4, 2010, the facility named Attorney John
Mangan as its Arbitrator. Upon failure of the Patient or Legal Representative to name an
Arbitrator after notice and request, the Arbitration Administrator named Attorney
Jacqueline Verney as the Patient's Arbitrator. Mr. Mangan and Ms. Verney selected
Attorney Linda Clotfelter as the third Arbitrator for the panel.
EXHIBIT "C"
By correspondence and Notice of Hearing dated September 21, 2010, a hearing
was scheduled in this matter to take place on January 10, 2011 to begin at 9:00 a.m. at
200 North Hanover Street, Carlisle, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania. By subsequent
correspondence, an Amended Hearing Notice (attached) dated November 23, 2010, was
forwarded to counsel for the facility, to the Patient, to the Legal Representative, and to
the Arbitrators at their respective addresses rescheduling the hearing to January 24, 2011
at 9:00 a.m. No additional requests for a continuance were received from either parry or
counsel. Appearing at the hearing before the Arbitration Panel on Monday, January 24,
2011, were Audrey Lubas, Business Office Representative of HCR ManorCare, Inc. and
David A. Baric, Esquire for HCR ManorCare, Inc.
II. FINDINGS OF FACT:
1. On September 1, 2009, Annie Bratcher (hereinafter "Patient"), through her Legal
Representative, Randall Love, executed an Admissions Agreement and an
Arbitration Agreement associated with the Patient's admission to the facility
located at 1700 Market Street, Camp Hill, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania.
2. Paragraph 3.2 of the referenced Admission Agreement provided confirmation
from the Patient through her Legal Representative that she would pay the room
and board rates to the facility, exclusive of expenses covered by insurance,
Medicaid, Medicare, Veteran's Administration payments, or related payments,
on behalf of the Patient.
3. Pursuant to paragraph 3.2A of the said Admission Agreement, Patient agreed
through her Legal Representative that she would pay all charges that she
incurred while at the facility located at 1700 Market Street, Camp Hill,
Cumberland County, Pennsylvania.
4. The Patient agreed through her Legal Representative that room and board
charges in the amount of $209.00 per day would be charged for any period that
the Patient was at the facility at 1700 Market Street, Camp Hill, Cumberland
County, Pennsylvania.
5. The per diem rate was increased to $268.00 per day, after appropriate notice to
the Patient and pursuant to the terms of the Admission Agreement.
6. Statements of charges were submitted to the Patient and the Legal
Representative for the period from September 1, 2009 through and including the
period covering February 28, 2011, for room and board services, cable charges,
beauty shop charges and related charges, that were billable on a private pay
basis.
7. All appropriate insurance payments or applicable payments from Medicare or
Medicaid have been applied to the outstanding bill of the Patient by the facility.
8. The facility billed the Patient directly and through her Legal Representative on a
monthly basis for services provided to the Patient.
9. The facility provided monthly past-due notices to the Patient through her Legal
Representative for fees due to the facility for services rendered which remained
unpaid.
10. Neither the Patient, the Legal Representative, nor anyone on her behalf objected
to the billings.
11. The Patient remains a resident at the facility.
12. All payments made to the facility from all sources have been applied to the
Patient's billing for services provided by the facility.
13. While some private payments have been received, an outstanding balance
remains due for services provided to the Patient by the facility for which private
payment is still due.
14. The total balance due for services provided to the Patient from admission on
September 1, 2009 to the date of hearing is $3,315.98.
15. Pursuant to paragraph 6 of the Arbitration Agreement executed between the
parties, in a dispute over non-payment of facility charges the Panel's and
Administration fees will be paid equally by the parties.
16. The dispute between the parties in this matter involved the non-payment of
charges.
17. The facility made a formal Demand for Arbitration pursuant to the terms of the
Arbitration Agreement upon the Patient and the Responsible Party by
correspondence May 19, 2010.
18. Proper notice of the time and place of the hearing was provided to the facility, to
the Patient and to the Legal Representative, pursuant to the terms of the
Arbitration Agreement.
19. No request for a continuance, nor other contact, was made by the Patient nor the
Legal Representative with the Arbitration Administrator, nor with any member
of the Arbitration Panel, prior to the hearing.
20. The hearing began at 9:18 a.m. on Monday, January 24, 2011 at 200 North
Hanover Street, Carlisle, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, after delaying the
hearing 15 minutes from the original scheduled start time for the hearing of 9:00
a.m., to allow the Patient or Patient's Legal Representative to appear or
otherwise make contact with the Arbitration Administrator.
21, The Arbitration Administrator is not aware of any efforts made by the Patient
nor her Legal Representative to contact the Arbitration Administrator relative to
their inability to attend the hearing.
III. CONCLUSIONS OF LAW:
The Patient, Annie Bratcher, (hereinafter "Patient") through her Legal
Representative, Randall Love, entered into the terms and conditions of the Admission
Agreement and the Arbitration Agreement executed by the Patient's Legal
Representative, with the facility, HCR ManorCare, Inc., on September 1, 2009. The
contracts are binding and provides all appropriate notices pursuant to Pennsylvania law.
The binding Arbitration Agreement provides that all claims and controversies between
the facility and the Patient will be resolved through application of the terms of the
Arbitration Agreement. The Patient has failed to meet her obligations under the terms of
the Admission Agreement to compensate the facility for services provided to the Patient.
Proper notice of services rendered and fees incurred was provided by the facility to the
Patient pursuant to the terms of the Admission Agreement. The parties and legal counsel,
received proper notice of all proceedings under the Arbitration Agreement, including,
Notice of the hearing.
ARBITRATORS' AWARD
Pursuant to the findings set forth herein, Judgment is hereby entered against
Annie Bratcher and Randall Love, in favor of HCR ManorCare, Inc. in the amount of
$3,315.98. Administration fees for the Arbitration Administrator in the amount of
$345.00 and Arbitrator's fees of $450.00 ($150.00 per Arbitrator) shall be divided
equally between the parties such that HCR ManorCare, Inc. shall compensate the
Arbitration Administrator for his fees and for compensation of the Arbitrators the sum of
$397.50 and Annie Bratcher and Randall Love shall likely compensate the Arbitration
Administrator for his fees and for compensation of the Arbitrators the sum of $397.50. In
the event that HCR ManorCare, Inc. compensates the Arbitration Administrator in the
full amount of fees and costs due, HCR ManorCare's Judgment is adjusted from the
$3,315.98 amount set forth above to include the share of Arbitrator's fees and costs of
Annie Bratcher and Randall Love in the amount of $397.50 for a total Judgment of
$3,713.48.
!Jacqu "ne VClotfelter, Esq ' e
Griffie, Esquire
Administrator
HCR MANORCARE, INC., ;
Plaintiff
vs.
ARBITRATION PROCEEDING
ANNIE BRATCHER and
RANDALL LOVE, ;
Defendants
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
7
I, Bradley L. Griffie, Esquire hereby certify that I did, the dday of January,
2011, cause a copy of the Arbitration Panel Decision and Award to be served upon the
Plaintiff and Defendants by serving them by first class mail, postage prepaid, and
certified mail, at the following addresses:
DATE:
David A. Baric, Esquire
19 West South Street
Carlisle, PA 17013
Annie Bratcher
1700 Market Street
Camp Hill, PA 17011
Randall Love
232 North 15`h Street
Harrisburg, PA 17103
Br L. Uritf b, Esquire
iration Administrator
?C'rRIFFIE & ASSOCIATES
200 North Hanover Street
Carlisle, PA 17013
(717) 243-5551
(800) 347-5552
K' T,
Plaintiff
ANNIE BRATCHEIR and
RANDALL LOVE,
Defendants
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
NO. 2011_ a°) t b
RULE
AND NOW, this -L4+` day of , 2011, upon consideration of the
foregoing Application To Confirm Arbitration Award, it is hereby ordered that
(1) a rule is issued upon the Defendants to show cause why the Plaintiff is not entitled
to the relief requested;
(2) the Defendants shall file an answer to the Application within '10 days of this
date;
(3) the Application shall be decided under Pa.R.C.P. No. 206.7;
(4) depositions shall be completed within -JQ_ days of this date;
(5) argument shall be held on , the /01 ?4 day of
r -:13 0-
2011, at a.m./. in Courtroom of the Cumberland County
-Mu Courthouse; and
(6) notice of the entry of this order shall be provided to all parties by the Plaintiff.
BY THE COURT,
J.
1-13 -11
EXHIBIT "B"
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I hereby certify that on April If , 2011, I, David A. Baric, Esquire of Baric Scherer, did
serve a copy of Motion To Make Rule Absolute, by first class U.S. mail, postage prepaid, to the
parties listed below, as follows:
Arnie Bratcher Randall Love
1700 Market Street 232 North 15th Street
Camp Hill, Pennsylvania 17011 Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17103
David A. Baric, Esquire
HCR MANORCARE, INC.,
Plaintiff
V.
ANNIE BRATCHER and
RANDALL LOVE,
Defendants
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
NO. 2011-2990
ORDER OF COURT
Q?h
AND NOW, this l day of NiA , 2011, upon review of the
attached Motion To Make Rule Absolute, it is hereby ordered and decreed that Rule previously
issued relative to this matter is absolute and the arbitration award is confirmed and a judgment in
the amount of $3,713.48 is entered of record in this matter
BY THE COURT,
M.L. Ebert, Jr., J.
?cf
c ^ i
?
NAN
0'DP
? ? ? 14' ter" ? ?rn
Annie Bnxieher, , deft olc6 r?
Pc
C
?' = cap
z
HCR MANORCARE, INC., IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
Plaintiff CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
V NO
2011-2990
-'
. .
X-n
ANNIE BRATCHER and
RANDALL LOVE, -?3? o o
Defendants o`
r'
:ZCD
PRAECIPE TO ENTER JUDGMENT ON ORDER -0
TO THE PROTHONOTARY:
Please enter judgment in the above-captioned matter pursuant to the Order Of Court
signed by the Honorable M.L. Ebert, Jr. on April 19, 2011, entering judgment in favor of the
Plaintiff in the amount of $3,713.48.
Respectfully submitted,
BMUC SCHE R
r
V
David A. Baric, Esquire
I.D. 44853
19 West South Street
Carlisle, Pennsylvania 17013
(717) 249-6873
tq.oo ed a
C k-
12
V?)ofi ' ? .
HCR MANORCARE, INC., IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
Plaintiff CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
V. NO. 2011-2990
ANNIE BRATCHER and
RANDALL LOVE,
Defendants
ORDER OF COURT
AND NOW, this day of Am; , 2011, upon review of the
attached Motion To Make Rule Absolute, it is hereby ordered and decreed that Rule previously
issued relative to this matter is absolute and the arbitration award is confirmed and a judgment in
the amount of $3,713.48 is entered of record in this matter
BY THE COURT,
"'.11i.I J.
M.L. Ebert, Jr., J.
1: T--? -.- Tea I %, 7 P- d
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I hereby certify that on April 20, 2011, I, David A. Baric, Esquire of Baric Scherer, did
serve a copy of the Praecipe Enter Judgment On Order, by first class U.S. mail, postage prepaid,
to the parties listed below, as follows:
Annie Bratcher Randall Love
1700 Market Street 232 North 15th Street
Camp Hill, Pennsylvania 17011 Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17103
' J
David A. Baric, Esquire