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Nursing Home Closures

NORC Resources


Reference Guide: The Role of the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program in Nursing Facility Closures
Long-Term Care Ombudsman programs (LTCOPs) have an important role advocating with, and for, residents of nursing facilities that are closing. This guide reviews the federal requirements regarding nursing facility closures, highlights Ombudsman program management and advocacy considerations, and shares additional resources. 

The Role of the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program in Nursing Facility Closures - April 25, 2023

Consumer Voice Resources


The Consumer Voice has developed several resources related to nursing home closures such as webinars, reports, and a toolkit for Ombudsmen and advocates. View all Consumer Voice resources.

 

 

This toolkit includes materials that will be helpful to you if you are involved in a nursing home closing.  The toolkit is intended for use by Ombudsmen and advocates.

Web version

PDF version

 

 

Ombudsman Program Examples

View Ombudsman program examples related to facility closures.

Archive


View archive here

Ombudsman Role in Nursing Home Closures and Natural Disasters (2000) includes "closure kit," information on transfer trauma, and recommendations for state and local ombudsmen.

AoA letter to SLTCO on homes experiencing financial difficulties (July 1999)

CMS letter on developing a plan for closures (June 1999)

CMS Memo - Voluntary Termination of a Skilled Nursing Facility or Nursing Facility (April 2002)

Best Practices for Voluntary Nursing Facility Closure 
Developed by the Michigan Nursing Facility State Closure Team for use by owners, administrators, staff, residents, family members, guardians, placement workers and government representatives. It is intended to bring about the best possible outcomes for residents having to relocate as a result of voluntary nursing facility closures. It contains examples of useful forms and procedures, clarifies roles and responsibilities and provides helpful resources.

Facility Closure Checklist
Developed by the Florida State LTC Ombudsman Program 

NORC Training
The Center conducted two conference calls in July 2002 (July 22 and 29) that included briefings by two experts on this important topic, Alison Hirschel and Erica Wood, and provided an opportunity for dialogue. Each call included participation by state ombudsmen, local ombudsmen and members of citizen advocacy groups. Presentation materials and presenter bios can be found below.

“Predicting and Preventing Nursing Home 'Performance Closures' in Michigan: Why Regulators May Not Have All the Tools They Need” by Alison Hirschel, JD

“Termination and Closure of Poor Quality Nursing Homes: What Are the Options?” by Erica F. Wood, JD

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