488.408—Selection of remedies.
(a) Categories of remedies.
In this section, the remedies specified in § 488.406(a) are grouped into categories and applied to deficiencies according to how serious the noncompliance is.
(b) Application of remedies.
After considering the factors specified in § 488.404, as applicable, if CMS and the State choose to impose remedies, as provided in paragraphs (c)(1), (d)(1) and (e)(1) of this section, for facility noncompliance, instead of, or in addition to, termination of the provider agreement, CMS does and the State must follow the criteria set forth in paragraphs (c)(2), (d)(2), and (e)(2) of this section, as applicable.
(i)
Are isolated deficiencies that constitute no actual harm with a potential for more than minimal harm but not immediate jeopardy; or
(ii)
Is a pattern of deficiencies that constitutes no actual harm with a potential for more than minimal harm but not immediate jeopardy.
(3)
Except when the facility is in substantial compliance, CMS or the State may apply one or more of the remedies in Category 1 to any deficiency.
(2)
CMS applies one or more of the remedies in Category 2, or, except for denial of payment for all individuals, the State must apply one or more of the remedies in Category 2 when there are—
(i)
Widespread deficiencies that constitute no actual harm with a potential for more than minimal harm but not immediate jeopardy; or
(3)
CMS or the State may apply one or more of the remedies in Category 2 to any deficiency except when—
(ii)
CMS or the State imposes a civil money penalty for a deficiency that constitutes immediate jeopardy, the penalty must be in the upper range of penalty amounts, as specified in § 488.438(a).
(2)
When there are one or more deficiencies that constitute immediate jeopardy to resident health or safety—
(ii)
CMS and the State may impose a civil money penalty of $3,050-$10,000 per day or $1,000-$10,000 per instance of noncompliance, in addition to imposing the remedies specified in paragraph (e)(2)(i) of this section.
(3)
When there are widespread deficiencies that constitute actual harm that is not immediate jeopardy, CMS and the State may impose temporary management, in addition to Category 2 remedies.
(f) Plan of correction.
(1)
Except as specified in paragraph (f)(2) of this section, each facility that has a deficiency with regard to a requirement for long term care facilities must submit a plan of correction for approval by CMS or the State, regardless of—
(2)
When there are only isolated deficiencies that CMS or the State determines constitute no actual harm with a potential for minimal harm, the facility need not submit a plan of correction.
(g) Appeal of a certification of noncompliance.
(1)
A facility may appeal a certification of noncompliance leading to an enforcement remedy.
(2)
A facility may not appeal the choice of remedy, including the factors considered by CMS or the State in selecting the remedy, specified in § 488.404.
[59 FR 56243, Nov. 10, 1994; 60 FR 50118, Sept. 28, 1995, as amended at 64 FR 13360, Mar. 18, 1999]