Nursing homes now have the option to resolve survey deficiencies through independent informal dispute resolution (IDR) when they receive civil monetary penalties. The Independent IDR processes have been developed by state survey agencies as required by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and in accordance with the guidelines set out in CMS regulations and memoranda guidance. Christopher Dean reviews the guidelines that apply to Independent IDR processes and considers the possible impact of these processes and the existing IDR process currently available to nursing homes.

In response to guidance from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), state survey agencies (SSAs) have developed independent informal dispute resolution (Independent IDR) processes to resolve survey deficiencies over the last few months.