What's the difference between "sanctions," "exclusions," and "actions?"

The terms “sanction” and “exclusion” are often used interchangeably, but there is a distinction.

A sanction could be a board action or an exclusion. Sanction is a term that was used often when referring to a disciplinary action or exclusion. It was a catch all term. Sanction is just another term for action or exclusion.

A board action is an action against an individual's license from the board. This can be anything from a fine to a revocation.

An exclusion means you are excluded from participation in Medicare, Medicaid and all other Federal healthcare programs. You can have a board action, and also be excluded. In many cases, the board action can lead to an exclusion.