Slashed Nursing Home Penalites? New Proposed Rule Could Make It Possible

A new proposed rule from CMS would dramatically slash some nursing home civil monetary penalties (CMPs) by up to 50 percent.

In order to receive a reduced CMP, facilities would need to report a deficiency before it is discovered by CMS or a state agency and correct the deficiency within 10 days. The reduced penalties wouldn't apply to cases of immediate jeopardy or to cases that are part of a recurring pattern of harm.

Current CMP fines range from $50 to $10,000 per day of noncompliance.

CMS is seeking feedback on the rule, which was published Monday in the Federal Register, by August 11. To read the proposed rule, click here.