Immediate Jeopardy (IJ)
Definition: A situation in which the facility's noncompliance has caused, or is likely to cause, serious injury, harm, impairment, or death to a resident. The highest severity level on the CMS scope and severity grid (levels J, K, L).
In Practice
IJ findings trigger the most urgent and severe enforcement actions. Facilities must submit an Allegation of Compliance as quickly as possible and remove the immediate danger. The survey agency may revisit within days to verify abatement. Failure to remove IJ can result in termination from Medicare/Medicaid within 23 days.