US · guidance
CMS SOM App. B, Tag G448
§484.50(c) Standard: Rights of the patient
The patient has the right to—
(11) Be free from any discrimination or reprisal for exercising his or her rights or
for voicing grievances to the HHA or an outside entity.
Interpretive Guidelines §484.50(c)(11)
“Discrimination or reprisal against a patient for exercising his or her rights or for voicing
grievances” is defined as treating a patient differently from other patients after receipt by
the HHA of a patient complaint, without a medical justification for such different
treatment.
Examples of discrimination or reprisal include, but are not limited to, a reduction of
current services, a complete discontinuation of services, or discharge from the HHA after
receipt by the HHA of a patient complaint, without a medical justification for the change
of services or discharge.
Survey Procedures §484.50(c)(11)
Inquire if the patient filed any complaints directly with the HHA and if the care and
services were negatively affected by this action. Determine if the patient is aware of the
state HHA hotline to lodge a complaint if dissatisfied with the care provided by the HHA
(§484.50(c)(9)).
History
Rev. 219; Issued: 04-12-24; Effective: 04-12-24; Implementation: 04-12-24
Provenance
- Source
- cms.gov
- Retrieved
- 2026-07-22
- Edition
- som-2026-07-22
- Content hash
7e03b3d34c5378b0abadcb6c166531a8ba557d0863d4752e5c3c15dd95c144a6
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