Arbitration is like mediation. In both cases, the parties to the dispute use a third party (an arbitrator or mediator) to resolve their dispute. If intermediaries are not satisfied with the outcome, they may pursue other remedies, including legal action and legal proceedings. However, in arbitration, the result is binding. When an arbitration procedure is requested, a judge or jury cannot be called upon at a later date to respond to the victim`s complaints. An arbitration agreement makes arbitration mandatory. The victim has no choice but to repair his or her damage. The new rule, which will come into effect on September 16, 2019, allows nursing homes to enter into conciliation agreements with residents before disputed conciliation agreements, but prohibits care homes from requiring residents to sign an arbitration agreement as a precondition for admission. The rule also adds a requirement that institutions give residents 30 days to revoke their consent to reconcile disputes.

And it prohibits the language in the arbitration agreement that prevents residents from contacting federal or regional authorities. In response, CMS published a new proposal for a final rule on the application of arbitration agreements by care homes in June 2017. CMS opened the necessary comment period and gathered ideas and suggestions from the public. Since July 2019, CMS has revised the rule on the basis of taking these public comments into account and has adopted a proposed new final rule on the application by long-term care facilities of pre-litigation and binding arbitration agreements. The new regime will come into effect on September 16, 2019. While arbitration agreements are now allowed, there are several restrictions for them. In 2017, CMS adopted a final rule preventing Medicare and Medicaid-accepted care homes from entering into binding arbitration agreements with a resident or their representatives before a dispute arises. The CMS cited ample evidence that resolving disputes in camera would adversely affect the health and safety of care home residents.

When a loved one enters a long-term care home, it is often a time of turbulence. There may have been a catastrophic medical event. Or the resident feels overwhelmed by the move.