Providers that consistently perform poorly with infection control measures could be looking at fines of up to $20,000 under increased enforcement efforts, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services announced in June.
Fines will range up to $5,000 for a provider found out of compliance and having deficiencies that are not widespread. If they are widespread, fines can reach $10,000.
Fines can hit $15,000 for providers that have been cited twice or more in the last two years but with deficiencies that are not widespread. The fines can reach $20,000 if the deficiencies are widespread.
Provider groups expressed concern with the government’s new penalties.
“Nursing homes should be held accountable when they fall short, but escalating threats of punishment will not change the outcomes for vulnerable adults if providers are still left without the tools they desperately need,” LeadingAge President and CEO Katie Smith Sloan said.
“This situation will get worse if surveyors are only looking for reasons to find deficiencies and issue fines instead of identifying ways for nursing homes to make real changes and help them improve their infection control programs,” added Mark Parkinson, president and CEO of the American Health Care Association.
From the July/August 2020 Issue of McKnight's Long-Term Care News
