The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania administers the Long Term Care Grant Program under the Civil Money Penalty (CMP) Reinvestment Program. This initiative stems from penalties imposed by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) against nursing facilities that do not comply with participation requirements. The funds collected are reinvested into projects that aim to enhance the quality of care and life for residents in nursing homes. The Department of Human Services (DHS), in collaboration with the Departments of Health and Aging, oversees the evaluation and recommendation process for these grants, which are ultimately subject to CMS approval.

The program is open to a wide range of applicants, including consumer advocacy organizations, family councils, state agencies, certified long-term care facilities, vendors, academic institutions, and other qualified organizations. To be eligible, applicants must be free of conflicts of interest, not duplicating efforts already funded by federal or state sources, and must demonstrate the capacity to complete the proposed initiative. Applications must follow strict formatting and content guidelines and be submitted electronically.

There are four primary project award categories, each with a maximum annual funding cap of $5,000 per nursing home. These include initiatives by resident or family councils, development and dissemination of consumer information, training to improve care quality, and activities that foster social interaction and well-being among residents. Funding cannot be used for general operations, capital improvements, recruitment or ombudsman training, or any services already mandated or funded through other sources.

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and must be submitted electronically to the Office of Long-Term Living at ra-pwcmpgrants@pa.gov. Each application must include a cover letter, completed form, letters of support (with CMS Certification Numbers starting October 1, 2024), an itemized budget, and a detailed proposal. Applications are reviewed collaboratively by representatives of the three state departments and forwarded to CMS for final approval.

Grant recipients are required to submit quarterly progress reports to the grant committee within 15 days of each calendar quarter’s end and a final report within 30 days of the project’s conclusion. Reports must document project outcomes, resident impact, and sustainability plans. A failure to comply with reporting requirements can result in forfeiture of future funding.

For questions, applicants are encouraged to contact the state agency via ra-pwcmpgrants@pa.gov. All decisions made by CMS regarding application approval are final, and denied applications cannot be resubmitted. The grant award is formalized through a contract with DHS, and disbursements are contingent on meeting contractual obligations and reporting requirements.

Grant Data for Entry