CMS Could Fine Nursing Homes for Not Allowing Visitation

In a blog post in the Sun Sentinel, CMS Administrator Seema Verma indicated that nursing facilities could face fines for not allowing visitation without good health care reasons. Verma indicated that the agency “expects all nursing homes to provide residents a means of visitation.”  She added, “That’s why we’re directing our network of inspectors to cite any Medicare or Medicaid nursing home that limits visitation without reasonable clinical or safety cause. Nursing homes that fail to facilitate visitation under the regulations could be subject to enforcement actions.”

This announcement follows the release of updated guidance on visitation.