Final answer:
LTCs can be put on sanction if found in violation of patient care and safety standards, involving an investigation, fines, and potentially losing Medicare and Medicaid participation. Compliance must be demonstrated to remove sanctions.
Step-by-step explanation:
When referring to how LTCs (Long-Term Care facilities) can be put on sanction, we are discussing a legal and regulatory framework that ensures these facilities comply with standards for patient care and safety. Sanctions are a form of disciplinary action that can be taken against LTCs if they are found to be in violation of these standards. The process typically involves a formal investigation, which may be prompted by routine inspections, complaints, or reports of non-compliance. If a facility is found non-compliant, regulatory bodies such as the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) in the United States may impose sanctions. These can range from fines and restrictions on admissions to termination of participation in Medicare and Medicaid programs, among other potential consequences.
For a facility to be removed from sanction, it must demonstrate compliance with all requirements during a follow-up inspection and perhaps undergo a period of monitoring. The specifics of both the sanction and the compliance process can vary based on the laws of the locality where the LTC operates, and the nature of the infractions that triggered the sanctions.