Nursing Homes Cannot Require Arbitration Agreement as Condition for Admission
Nursing Homes Cannot Require Arbitration Agreement as Condition for Admission

Pre-Dispute Arbitration Agreement as Condition for Admission

Pursuant to federal regulations 42 CFR 483.70(n), binding arbitration agreements. (1) A facility must not enter into a pre-dispute agreement for binding arbitration with any resident or resident’s representative nor require that a resident sign an arbitration agreement as a condition of admission to the LTC facility.

Conditions If there is Arbitration

(2) If, after a dispute between the facility and a resident arises, and a facility chooses to ask a resident or his or her representative to enter into an agreement for binding arbitration, the facility must comply with all of the requirements in this section.

(i) The facility must ensure that:

(A) The agreement is explained to the resident and their representative in a form and manner that he or she understands, including in a language the resident and their representative understands, and

(B) The resident acknowledges that he or she understands the agreement.

(ii) The agreement must:

(A) Be entered into by the resident voluntarily.

(B) Provide for the selection of a neutral arbitrator agreed upon by both parties.

(C) Provide for selection of a venue convenient to both parties.

(iii) A resident’s continuing right to remain in the facility must not be contingent upon the resident or the resident’s representative signing a binding arbitration agreement.

(iv) The agreement must not contain any language that prohibits or discourages the resident or anyone else from communicating with federal, state, or local officials, including but not limited to, federal and state surveyors, other federal or state health department employees, and representatives of the Office of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman, in accordance with §483.10(k).

(v) The agreement may be signed by another individual if:

(A) Allowed by state law;

(B) All of the requirements in this section are met; and

(C) That individual has no interest in the facility.

(vi) When the facility and a resident resolve a dispute with arbitration, a copy of the signed agreement for binding arbitration and the arbitrator’s final decision must be retained by the facility for 5 years and be available for inspection upon request by CMS or its designee.

Before or After Signed Arbitration Agreement Call Attorney Kenneth LaBore

If you have questions about your rights and an arbitration agreement or any type of nursing home neglect or abuse injury call Kenneth L. LaBore for a free consultation at 612-743-9048 or by email at KLaBore@MNnursinghomeneglect.com.

Arbitration Agreement Regulations in Nursing Homes
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