US · guidance
CMS SOM App. H, Tag V467
§ 494.70(a) - Standard: Patients’ rights
The patient has the right to—
(16)Be informed of his or her right to file internal grievances or external grievances or both
without reprisal or denial of services; and
(17) Be informed that he or she may file internal or external grievances, personally,
anonymously or through a representative of the patient’s choosing.
Interpretive Guidance §494.70(a)(16) and (17)
Every patient must be free to file a complaint or grievance within the facility or externally with
the ESRD Network or State survey agency. Facility staff should inform patients that they can file
a grievance anonymously or through a representative without being afraid that they will be
treated differently or denied services.
“Reprisal” would include retaliation or revenge and could include perceived punishment,
isolation, the intentional infliction of physical pain or emotional distress, or, involuntary
discharge from the facility.
History
Rev.
Provenance
- Source
- cms.gov
- Retrieved
- 2026-07-22
- Edition
- som-2026-07-22
- Content hash
7022c2c9c382c824c6bdb8475d582b226accc8d6a7690cf3407c3f7694b81714
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