CMS Emphasizes Compliance with Residents’ Rights Requirement related to NF Residents’ Right to Vote

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) published QSO-24-21-NH, informing state regulatory agencies and nursing home providers that a resident’s rights, including the right to vote, must not be impeded in any way by the nursing home and its facility staff.

Nursing homes should have a plan to ensure residents can exercise their right to vote, whether in person, by mail, absentee ballot or other authorized process.

Memorandum summary:

  • CMS is affirming the regulatory expectation that ensures nursing home residents have the unimpeded ability to exercise their right to vote as a citizen of the U.S.
  • Nursing homes must ensure residents are able to exercise their Constitutional right to vote without interference, coercion, discrimination or reprisal from the facility.
  • States, localities, and nursing home owners and administrators should collaborate to support a resident’s right to vote.

For more details and applicable regulatory requirements, read the QSO-24-21-NH (PDF).