What Makes a Directed Plan of Correction Different from a Standard POC

When survey deficiencies occur, nursing homes are required to submit a Plan of Correction that outlines how issues will be resolved. Most of the time, facilities maintain control over those actions. A Directed Plan of Correction changes that. It is a sign that surveyors believe stronger oversight and more prescribed intervention are needed to protect residents and restore compliance.

Understanding how a Directed Plan of Correction differs from a standard POC helps facilities recognize when risk is escalating and what will be required to move forward successfully.

What a Standard Plan of Correction Addresses

A standard Plan of Correction gives the facility responsibility for designing and carrying out the response to identified deficiencies. The facility:

• Develops the action steps
• Assigns responsibility to internal team members
• Provides documentation to show corrections are complete
• Monitors effectiveness through internal processes

The expectation is that leadership can correct issues independently and prevent recurrence.

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Why Some Situations Require a Different Approach

A Directed Plan of Correction is issued when surveyors determine that a more intensive and controlled response is necessary. This often follows serious or repeat deficiencies that indicate deeper systemic weaknesses, that usually involve QAPI practices and the facility’s governing body. A DPOC places more authority with the state agency or CMS because resident safety requires stronger assurance.

Surveyors may not be confident that a facility can overcome the root causes without increased support and accountability.

When a Directed Plan of Correction Is Imposed

A DPOC typically occurs when:

• Immediate Jeopardy concerns were significant or prolonged
• A facility has recurring or widespread noncompliance, even when QAPI Performance Improvement Plans have been implemented
• Previous Plans of Correction were not sustained
• Leadership struggles to carry out effective corrections
• Residents continue to be at risk despite interventions

This step often follows a critical moment for the organization.

How a Directed POC Changes Expectations

The biggest difference comes in who leads the corrective work and how progress is monitored. A Directed POC may include:

• Mandated training delivered by external experts
• Directed policy revisions or system redesign
• More frequent state or federal oversight visits
• Required reporting to verify compliance over time
• Shorter deadlines with less flexibility

These added requirements ensure changes are not temporary.

Who Supports Facilities Through a Directed Plan

A Directed Plan of Correction can feel overwhelming without the right support in place. Qsource assists teams by helping them:

• Interpret requirements clearly
• Implement corrective systems specific to the cited risk
• Strengthen documentation and data tracking
• Build staff competency and accountability
• Prepare for follow-up surveys with confidence

Having a partner who understands both regulatory expectations and operational realities can ease the burden for leaders and frontline staff.

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Staying Ahead of Enforcement Escalation

The best way to avoid a Directed Plan of Correction is to act early and treat every deficiency as an opportunity to improve. When facilities address risks proactively, residents are safer and survey outcomes remain stronger.

If your facility is working to recover from a challenging survey or wants help reinforcing compliance systems, Qsource is ready to support that progress. Together we can keep the focus where it belongs: on resident safety and confidence in the care they receive.