Civil Money Penalties FAQs
Civil Money Penalties (CMPs) are fines imposed on nursing facilities by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services that do not meet federal health and safety standards. Montana receives a portion of the funds collected to be reinvested in support of projects that improve the overall quality of life and/or care for nursing facility residents.
Nursing facility providers, nursing home stakeholders, and other organizations are encouraged and invited to submit CMP fund grant applications for the development and implementation of quality improvement and innovative initiatives that directly or indirectly benefit nursing home residents. Organizations that may qualify for use of CMP grant funds include but are not limited to: consumer advocacy organizations, nursing home associations, ombudsmen’s, universities, private contractors, non-profits and for-profit corporations.
Examples of eligible organizations include, but are not limited to:
- Consumer advocacy organizations
- Resident or family councils
- Professional or State nursing home associations
- CMS-certified LTC facilities [Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF), Nursing Facility (NF)]
- Vendors
- State agencies
- Academic institutions
No, CMP funds can only be used to benefit residents in certified LTC facilities/nursing homes. LTC CMP funds cannot be used for settings such as assisted living facilities, hospitals, or adult day health care.
No. CMP grants are only available for initiatives that are outside the scope of normal facility operations. They cannot be used to fund goods or services that the applicant already offers or is required to provide by state or federal law or regulation.
The Civil Money Penalty (CMP) Reinvestment Program funds initiatives that promote better care, stronger resident engagement, and improved quality of life in nursing facilities. Projects may focus on staff training, clinical quality, dementia care, social connection, or other areas that support resident well‑being.
Montana CMP-Funded Projects
Brain Injury Training for Nursing Home Support Staff and Health Professionals
Funded Entity: Brain Injury Alliance
Funding Amount: $16,694.99
Provides training on traumatic brain injury (TBI), including its impact on individuals and families, communication challenges, strategies to support independence, and approaches to address cognitive changes. Strengthens staff knowledge and improves care for residents living with TBI.
The Life Enrichment Project
Funded Entity: Continental Care and Rehabilitation
Funding Amount: $4,613.44
Identifies and addresses sensory and dietary needs of residents with dementia or cognitive impairments. Occupational therapy evaluations guide individualized sensory interventions, with quarterly reviews to ensure effectiveness and support long-term well-being.
Going for the Gold: Enhancing Care Through Collaboration and Simulation
Funded Entity: Simulation in Motion – Montana
Funding Amount: $19,900.86
Uses mobile simulation training to improve staff skills in recognizing traumatic brain injuries, responding to altered mental status, and understanding geriatric care needs. Surveys measure gains in confidence, communication, and assessment skills to support better resident outcomes.
SPARKing Conversation, Connection, and Fun! During COVID-19 and Beyond
Funded Entity: Silver Kite Community Arts Consulting, LLC
Funding Amount: $95,584.94
Distributes SPARK art activity toolkits to nearly 2,000 residents and provides live and recorded online art workshops. Promotes creative engagement, reduces isolation, and supports emotional well-being during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Java Project: Addressing Loneliness and Social Isolation
Funded Entity: The Village Health and Rehabilitation
Funding Amount: $15,000.00
Implements three evidence-based peer support programs—Java Music Club, Java Memory Care, and Java Mentorship — to reduce loneliness and social isolation. Outcomes are measured using the Java Scale, with targeted improvements in resident happiness and social connection.
ALZPro: Workforce Training and Support for Sustainable, Person-Centered Dementia Care
Funded Entity: Alzheimer’s Association
Funding Amount: $102,179.31
Provides dementia care training based on the Dementia Care Practice Recommendations. Participating facilities receive education, certification opportunities, and shared learning resources to strengthen person-centered care and improve communication and engagement with residents living with dementia.
SNFClinic
Funded Entity: Long-Term Care Consultants, LLC
Funding Amount: $104,580.00
Offers clinical skills training, in-service education, CEUs, care plan resources, QAPI tools, and policy management tools. Aims to improve CMS Quality Measures and star ratings by enhancing staff competency and supporting ongoing quality improvement efforts.
Live Therapeutic Harp Music Program
Funded Entity: Suzanne Harris
Funding Amount: $14,900.00
Provides therapeutic harp music sessions to reduce stress, loneliness, anxiety, and pain among residents. Individualized sessions include pre- and post-assessments to measure changes in mood and well-being. Virtual delivery options support continuity during contagion-related restrictions.
More information can be found in the Montana CMP Reinvestment State CMP Plan and the Montana CMP Project Tracker.
CMS Best Practices Examples and Guidance
To support quality improvement across nursing facilities, CMS publishes a range of best‑practice toolkits that provide structured guidance, training resources, and practical strategies. These include:
- Reducing Adverse Events and Improving Dementia Care Toolkits
- Head‑to‑Toe Infection Prevention (H2T) Toolkit
- Developing a Restful Environment Action Manual (DREAM) Toolkit
- Improving Staff Competency and Employee Satisfaction Toolkits
These and other resources are available on the CMS website.
Applications deadlines occur twice per year, on February 28 and August 31, with funding awarded in April and October, pending CMS review and consideration.
Applications are first reviewed by the CMP Committee at the state, and, if approved at the state level, the application is sent to CMS for further review and consideration. The state committee is comprised of the Senior and Long-Term Care division administrator, Community Services Bureau chief, facility-based services section supervisor and certification staff from the Office of the Inspector General at DPHHS, and the CMP program manager.
Senior and Long-Term Care Division: mtcmp@mt.gov
For general help and questions: (406) 444-4077 (SLTC Central Office)
