Nursing homes and healthcare facilities must have policies and procedures in place to ensure that the administrator’s duties and responsibilities involve providing the appropriate notices in the event of a facility closure or termination of a Medicare/Medicaid Provider Agreement. These policies and procedures must include: the administrator’s duties and responsibilities for submitting a closure plan and providing timely written notice to the relevant parties; identifying available settings for residents; and ensuring no new residents are admitted after the closure notice is given. The policies and procedures must also address resident safety during closure, including communication of pertinent information to the receiving provider and primary contact responsible for the daily operation and management of the facility. Additionally, they should consider certain provisions to prepare residents to ensure a safe and orderly transfer from the facility, such as interviewing residents and their legal or other responsible parties to determine their goals and preferences. Upon notification of a facility’s impending closure, the State Survey Agency should request a copy of the facility’s closure plan for review and approval and request admissions records to verify no new residents have been admitted. If a survey is conducted prior to closure, staff should be interviewed and observed to ensure the delivery of resident care and services is continuing to be provided and that written notices were provided timely. Nursing homes and healthcare facilities must take these new actions to ensure compliance with the regulations and to protect the safety of their residents.

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