The Hawaii Department of Health, Office of Health Care Assurance, aims to ensure the health and safety of residents in long-term care facilities by monitoring compliance with Medicare and Medicaid participation requirements. Through the collection and reallocation of Civil Monetary Penalties (CMPs), it supports activities that enhance the quality of care and the quality of life for nursing home residents.
The CMP grant program focuses on using funds collected as penalties from nursing homes not in compliance with specific Medicare and Medicaid requirements. These funds are redirected towards projects that directly benefit nursing home residents by improving their quality of care and quality of life. Allowable uses for CMP funds include support for residents during facility closures or downscaling, enhancement of resident and family councils, provision of facility improvement initiatives, training for better care, and activities that foster social interaction and overall well-being. Currently, the program is identifying projects for funding, including those aimed at improving living conditions in nursing homes and addressing COVID-19 related needs such as air quality improvements to facilitate in-person visitations.