Code of Massachusetts Regulations
104 CMR - DEPARTMENT OF MENTAL HEALTH
Title 104 CMR 30.00 - Fiscal Administration
Section 30.05 - Canteen Operations

(a) A facility may conduct various activities and operations which are incidental to the mission of the facility and in which charges are made to patients, employees, or others for the goods or services sold. Activities and operations including vending machine operations, restaurant or snack bar operations, gift shops, concession stands, programs charging admission, and the like shall be known as Canteen Operations. The management of Canteen Operations shall be the responsibility of an employee or employees selected by the facility director. Such employee or employees may be assisted by patients and volunteers.

(b) The income from the Canteen Operations shall support the Canteen Operations. Income in excess of the cost of the Canteen Operations shall be called the Canteen Fund. The Canteen Fund shall be held by a person designated to hold such funds by the facility director. Canteen Funds shall be expended for the benefit of patients of the facility.

(c) The facility shall appoint a Canteen Committee. The facility director or his or her designee shall be the chairperson of this committee which will consist of members chosen as representatives of the following groups: facility staff, patients, and individuals concerned with the care and treatment of patients. At least two members of the Committee shall not be employees of the Department. The Canteen Committee will determine the expenditure of the Canteen Fund and provide advice on Canteen Operations.

(d) The facility must have written policies and procedures concerning internal controls and accounting procedures for the management of the Canteen Operations, the Canteen Fund, and, if applicable, the inventory of goods kept in the Canteen.

(e) The person designated to hold the canteen funds must file an annual report with the Deputy Commissioner of Administration and Finance and the Canteen Committee, regarding the Canteen Fund. The report shall include all deposits, withdrawals and the beginning and ending balances. Each annual report shall be in the form and manner prescribed by the Deputy Commissioner of Administration and Finance.

(f) Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 123, § 23, every patient shall have the right to keep and be allowed to spend a reasonable sum of his or her own money for canteen expenses and small purchases.