Civil Money Penalty Reinvestment Program (CMPRP)

Overview

The Civil Money Penalty Reinvestment Program (CMPRP) is a Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) initiative that transforms enforcement actions into quality improvement opportunities by reinvesting civil monetary penalty funds to enhance nursing home care. The program improves residents' quality of life by providing staff, administrators, and stakeholders with practical tools, training, and technical assistance to strengthen care delivery systems and promote evidence-based practices. As part of CMS's comprehensive strategy to improve safety and health outcomes in nursing homes, CMPRP represents a constructive approach that supports workforce development and facility improvements.

About Civil Money Penalties (CMPs)

What are Civil Money Penalties (CMPs)?

CMPs are monetary penalties that the CMS may impose on nursing homes for each day or instance of noncompliance with Medicare and Medicaid participation requirements for long-term care facilities.

What Happens to CMP Funds?

A portion of the CMPs collected from nursing homes is returned to the states where the penalties are imposed. These funds may be reinvested in activities that benefit nursing home residents and protect or improve their quality of care or quality of life.

How can CMP Funds Be Used?

CMP funds may be used for (but not limited to) the following types of projects:

Resident protection and relocation assistance - Support for residents when facilities close, are decertified, or downsize, including time-limited expenses for relocating residents to home and community-based settings or alternative facilities pursuant to agreements with state Medicaid agencies
Consumer engagement initiatives - Programs that engage residents, families, and consumers to improve the quality of care in facilities
Facility improvement and training - Technical assistance and training programs to implement quality assurance and performance improvement initiatives
Mental and Behavioral Health - Projects that focus on delivering evidence-based behavioral health services tailored to nursing home residents’ unique needs.
Workforce Enhancement – Projects that strengthen the nursing home workforce through improved competency, education, and training, culture change, and professional development for frontline nursing home staff, including Registered Nurses (RNs), Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs), and Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs).

Note: The Nursing Home Staffing Campaign (NHSC) is a separate, targeted workforce initiative designed to increase the number of nurses in nursing homes through financial incentives and training opportunities for RNs and CNAs. For more information, visit Nursing Home Staffing Campaign or contact NHSC@cms.hhs.gov.

CMP-Funded Projects

CMS publishes and updates information about CMP-funded projects each year. You can access a list of funded projects in the “Downloads” section below.

How to Apply for CMP Funds

The CMP-funding application process is state-specific and managed by individual State Agencies. Interested applicants should:

Review the CMPRP Application Handbook, which includes guidelines for creating and submitting applications to State Agencies.
Contact the State Agency – Reach out to your designated state CMPRP representative for more information
Tip: Refer to the "State CMPRP Contacts" section in the handbook for specific contact details.
Submit your application to the State Agency

Toolkits & Resources

CMS offers several toolkits and resources, including educational materials and practical tools that facilities may use to reduce adverse events, improve staffing quality, and improve dementia care. Additionally, CMS offers technical assistance and training to strengthen behavioral health care delivery in nursing homes nationwide, which were developed in collaboration with SAMHSA. Visit the Nursing Home Resource Center, Training & Resources page, to access these materials.

Note: Using these toolkits & resources is optional and does not ensure compliance with Federal requirements.

Need Help?

Contact the CMPRP Team at CMP-info@cms.hhs.gov.