The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has issued surveyor guidance about nursing home residents’ rights related to voting, “affirming the regulatory expectation that ensures nursing home residents have the unimpeded ability to exercise their right to vote as a citizen of the United States [emphasis in original].” CMS expects facilities to “have a plan to ensure residents can exercise their right to vote, whether in-person, by mail, absentee ballot, or other authorized process” and, if available, to “coordinate and engage” with any state programs that enable residents to vote.
- Read the memo at: CMS, “Compliance with Residents’ Rights Requirement related to Nursing Home Residents’ Right to Vote,” QSO -24-21-NH (Sep. 26, 2024)
- Complaints may be filed with the state survey and with the Department of Justice.