Termination from Medicare/Medicaid
Definition: The most severe enforcement action, in which CMS revokes a facility's certification to participate in Medicare and Medicaid programs. The facility can no longer receive federal payment for any residents.
In Practice
Termination is the enforcement action of last resort and typically occurs when a facility has failed to achieve compliance despite progressive enforcement, or when conditions pose an immediate threat that cannot be resolved. CMS can terminate within 23 days for Immediate Jeopardy that is not removed. Termination is effectively a death sentence for most nursing homes due to their dependence on Medicare/Medicaid revenue.