Compliance with Residents’ Rights Requirement related to Nursing Home Residents’ Right to Vote

Memorandum Summary

• The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is 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.

• Nursing homes must ensure residents are able to exercise their Constitutional right to vote without interference, coercion, discrimination, or reprisal from the facility.

• States, localities, and nursing home owners and administrators should collaborate to support a resident’s right to vote.