The Regulatory Compliance and Review Department evaluates information received from the public and from licensed healthcare facilities and providers regarding potential non‑compliance. Our work supports the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) by ensuring that healthcare facilities meet federal and state health, safety, and quality‑of‑care requirements.
Our Purpose
We review concerns that may indicate a facility or provider is not meeting federal and state regulations. When information is submitted to our department, we assess whether it falls within our regulatory authority and determine whether further action is warranted.
Before Submitting a Concern
Many issues can be resolved more quickly by contacting the healthcare facility directly. Most facilities are required to have a formal grievance process that allows patients, residents, and families to report concerns and receive timely responses.
We encourage individuals to use the facility’s grievance process first when possible. If you have contacted the facility and believe the matter remains unresolved, or if you have information about potential non‑compliance with federal or state requirements, you may submit your concern to our department.
Information That Helps Us Review a Concern
Providing clear, detailed information helps our office conduct an accurate and timely review. Useful details include:
- Name of the healthcare facility or provider involved
- Name patient/resident/client and date of birth
- Dates and times when the events occurred
- Names or roles of staff involved (if known)
- A clear description of what happened and why it is concerning
- Any steps already taken to address the issue with the facility
- Any supporting information or documentation you are able to provide
Specific, factual information allows us to better understand the situation and determine whether it may involve a potential violation of federal or state requirements.
What We Review
Our department reviews information related to possible non‑compliance with federal or state requirements in the following areas:
- Quality of care
- Patient and resident rights
- Health and safety standards
- Infection prevention and control
- Staffing and training requirements
Concerns About Specific Licensed Healthcare Professionals
Some issues relate directly to the conduct or practice of individual licensed professionals, such as:
- Registered Nurses (RNs)
- Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs)
- Certified Nurse Aides (CNAs)
- Physicians or Physician Assistants
- Other independently licensed practitioners
Concerns involving professional licensure, scope of practice, ethics, or individual conduct may fall under the authority of the applicable licensing board rather than our office.
For concerns involving individual licensed professionals, the following may be more appropriate:
- South Dakota Board of Nursing – for nurses, certified medication assistants, and certified nursing assistants (CNAs) https://sdbon.boardsofnursing.org/complaint
- South Dakota Board of Medical and Osteopathic Examiners (SDBMOE) – for physicians, physician assistants, and certain other healthcare professionals https://www.sdbmoe.gov/complaints/
If your concern relates specifically to the actions or clinical decisions of a licensed individual rather than facility-wide compliance, you may wish to file a report directly with the appropriate licensing board.
What to Expect After Submitting a Concern
Once information is submitted:
- We document and evaluate the concern to determine whether it falls under federal or state regulatory requirements.
- If the issue is within our jurisdiction, we may initiate a regulatory review or other appropriate actions.
- If the concern is outside our jurisdiction, we will direct you to the appropriate agency whenever possible.
- Our process is objective, consistent, and aligned with federal and state oversight standards.
Our Commitment
The Regulatory Compliance and Review Department is committed to protecting the health, safety, and rights of individuals receiving care in licensed healthcare facilities. We review all information respectfully and thoroughly, maintaining the integrity of the CMS oversight process.
How to submit a concern for review
Call or write to our office.
Regulatory Compliance and Review Department
Office of Health Care Facilities Licensure & Certification
South Dakota Department of Health
600 E. Capitol Ave.
Pierre, SD 57501
Phone: 605-773-3356
Fax: 1-866-539-3886
Email: DOH OLC Review
Home Health/Hospice Hotline:
1-800-738-2301 or 605-773-3356 - Monitored Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (CT)
Emergency Medical Treatment & Labor Act (EMTALA)
(The call or write instructions apply to ALL complaints, including EMTALA)
Regulatory Compliance and Review Department Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)