Commitments and Contingencies

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]

Commitments and Contingencies

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

U.S. Government Settlement—In October 2013, Ensign completed and executed a settlement agreement (the “Settlement Agreement”) with the U.S. Department of Justice (“DOJ”). This settlement agreement fully and finally resolved a DOJ investigation of Ensign related primarily to claims submitted to the Medicare program for rehabilitation services provided at skilled nursing facilities in California and certain ancillary claims. Pursuant to the Settlement Agreement, Ensign made a single lump-sum remittance to the government in the amount of $48.0 million in October 2013. Ensign denied engaging in any illegal conduct and agreed to the settlement amount without any admission of wrongdoing in order to resolve the allegations and avoid the uncertainty and expense of protracted litigation.

In connection with the settlement and effective as of October 1, 2013, Ensign entered into a five-year corporate integrity agreement with the Office of Inspector General-HHS (the “CIA”). The CIA acknowledges the existence of Ensign’s current compliance program, and requires that Ensign continue during the term of the CIA to maintain a compliance program designed to promote compliance with the statutes, regulations, and written directives of Medicare, Medicaid, and all other Federal health care programs. Ensign is also required to maintain several elements of its existing program during the term of the CIA, including maintaining a compliance officer, a compliance committee of the board of directors, and a code of conduct. The CIA requires that Ensign conduct certain additional compliance-related activities during the term of the CIA, including various training and monitoring procedures, and maintaining a disciplinary process for compliance obligations.

Participation in federal healthcare programs by Ensign is not affected by the Settlement Agreement or the CIA. In the event of an uncured material breach of the CIA, Ensign could be excluded from participation in federal healthcare programs and/or subject to prosecution. The Company is subject to certain continuing operational obligations as part of Ensign’s compliance program pursuant to the CIA, but otherwise has no liability related to the DOJ investigation.

Legal Matters—None of the Company or any of its subsidiaries is a party to, and none of their respective properties are the subject of, any material legal proceedings.