Nursing Homes

Glossary of Terms

Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) — A federal agency that oversees the regulation of nursing facilities that are paid by Medicare or Medicaid funds.

Certicification — A determination that a nursing home meets the federal care standards for operating a home with Medicaid or Medicare funding.

Deficiency — A failure to meet a federal and/or state standard for care. The most serious deficiencies pose an immediate threat to resident health or safety.

Exit Conference — A meeting at that the end of a survey where surveyors review their findings with the nursing home’s administrator and key staff.

Licensure — A determination that a nursing home meets the state standards for operating a home in Alaska.

Ombudsman — A federally-mandated program with an office in Anchorage. Ombudsman representatives are trained to received questions and complaints and to advocate for residents and families.