View all text of Subpart N [§ 488.1200 - § 488.1265]

§ 488.1225 - Action when deficiencies pose immediate jeopardy.

(a) Immediate jeopardy. If there is immediate jeopardy to the hospice program's patient health or safety, the following rules apply:

(1) CMS immediately terminates the hospice program provider agreement in accordance with § 489.53 of this chapter.

(2) CMS terminates the hospice program provider agreement no later than 23 calendar days from the last day of the survey, if the immediate jeopardy has not been removed by the hospice program.

(3) In addition to a termination, CMS may impose one or more enforcement remedies, as appropriate.

(b) 2-calendar day notice. Except for civil money penalties, for all remedies specified in § 488.1220 imposed when there is immediate jeopardy, notice must be given at least 2 calendar days before the effective date of the enforcement action. The requirements of the notice are set forth in § 488.1210(e).

(c) Transfer of care. A hospice program, if its provider agreement is terminated, is responsible for providing information, assistance, and arrangements necessary for the proper and safe transfer of patients to another local hospice program within 30 calendar days of termination.