CMS has released new information on enhanced enforcement activity for nursing homes with longstanding violations of infection control practices. The increased and targeted measures are based on trends from the most recent data regarding incidence of COVID-19 in nursing homes, as well as the results of the agency’s targeted infection control inspections. CMS is increasing enforcement (e.g., civil money penalties) for facilities with a history of noncompliance with infection control to provide greater accountability and consequence for failures to meet these basic requirements. This action follows the agency’s prior focus on equipping facilities with the tools they needed to ensure compliance, including 12 nursing home guidance documents, technical assistance webinars, weekly calls with nursing homes, and many other outreach efforts. The enhanced enforcement actions are more significant for nursing homes with a history of past infection control deficiencies, or that cause actual harm to residents or Immediate Jeopardy.

See full memo here

Questions?

Contact:

Laura Hofmann, MSN, RN – Director of Clinical and Nursing Facility Regulatory Services
c: 425-231-4804