What does “Plan of correction” mean?
Short answer
A plan of correction (PoC) is a provider's written answer to survey findings. It says how and by when the facility will fix each problem and keep it fixed.
Also known as: PoC, POC, allegation of compliance
What it must contain
42 CFR 488.401 defines it as a plan the facility writes and CMS or the survey agency approves. It describes the actions the facility will take and the date it will finish. CMS's manual says an acceptable plan must:
- Say how the fix will reach the people affected.
- Say how the facility will find others who could be affected.
- Name the changes that will stop it from happening again.
- Say how the facility will monitor results so the fix lasts.
- Give dates when the fixes will be done.
The plan serves as the facility's allegation of compliance. That is its own statement that it now meets the rules.
Timing and who signs
Nursing homes must file a plan within 10 calendar days of getting the CMS-2567. Other providers with standard-level deficiencies may keep taking part only with an acceptable plan.
They are usually expected to comply within 60 days of notice, though the survey agency may allow more time (42 CFR 488.28).
Example from CMS's QAPI guide: after a weight-loss finding, a nursing home re-weighed all residents, held a staff class and promised three monthly audits. The State accepted it, yet CMS calls that kind of plan a band-aid next to a root cause approach.
Mix-up: a plan of correction is not an immediate jeopardy removal plan, and it is not internal CAPA. It is the formal reply to a survey.
Frequently asked questions
How long do we have to submit a plan of correction?
Nursing homes must file an acceptable plan within 10 calendar days of getting the CMS-2567. Other providers follow the survey agency's request, usually within 60 days of notice.
What happens if the plan of correction is not acceptable?
The State tells the facility in writing. Without an acceptable plan, remedies can be recommended, and 42 CFR 488.456(b) requires ending a nursing home's provider agreement.
Is a plan of correction an admission of fault?
The manual calls it the facility's allegation of compliance: what it will do and by when. Ask counsel how to word it. It must be specific enough to check.
Sources
- 42 CFR 488.401: Definitions (plan of correction)
- CMS State Operations Manual, Chapter 7: Survey and Enforcement Process for Skilled Nursing Facilities and Nursing Facilities
- 42 CFR 488.28: Providers or suppliers, other than SNFs, NFs, HHAs and hospices, with deficiencies
- CMS State Operations Manual, Chapter 2: The Certification Process
Reviewed against the sources above on Oct 5, 2026. Rules change: confirm current requirements with the issuing body or your counsel before relying on any summary.
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