Conditions of Participation (CoP)
Definition: The set of federal health, safety, and quality standards that nursing homes must meet to participate in the Medicare and Medicaid programs. Codified in 42 CFR Part 483.
In Practice
The Conditions of Participation form the regulatory foundation for all nursing home surveys. They cover areas including resident rights, quality of care, nursing services, dietary services, physician services, rehabilitation services, pharmacy services, infection control, and physical environment. Non-compliance can result in sanctions up to and including termination from Medicare/Medicaid.