What happens if a facility construction starts without necessary approvals?

When a facility construction begins without obtaining the necessary approvals, the most immediate consequence is that the facility can face significant penalties, such as fines or the possibility of being shut down. This is rooted in the regulatory framework governing nursing homes, which mandates compliance with state and federal laws to ensure that facilities meet essential safety and quality standards before they can operate. Constructing a facility without such approvals compromises those standards and can pose risks to residents.

This enforcement ensures that facilities are built to code, meet health and safety regulations, and are appropriately inspected before licensing. Starting construction without these approvals undermines the regulatory process meant to protect residents and staff and can lead to drastic action from regulatory bodies.

While the other options suggest a level of leniency or future compliance, the reality is that regulatory bodies prioritize adherence to laws and ensure that violations are dealt with rigorously to maintain safety and quality in care environments. Therefore, penalty measures such as fines or shutdowns serve as a deterrent to ensure that all construction and operational processes follow established guidelines.