INTERACT (INTerventions to Reduce Acute Care Transfers) is a quality improvement program that focuses on changes in resident condition to avoid unnecessary transfers to an acute-care setting. INTERACT combines clinical tools and strategies with educational resources for use in long-term care facilities, assisted living communities and home health agencies. 

This two-sided form provides either employees or residents/patients with general information to help make an informed decision about being vaccinated against COVID-19.

On November 5, 2021, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released an interim final rule requiring all staff members be fully vaccinated by January 4, 2022. In compliance with this rule, staff is entitled to appropriate accommodations when they request and receive exemption from the vaccination.  

These resources help meet these requirements with ease!

On May 11, 2021, CMS published an interim final rule with comment period (IFC). This rule establishes Long-Term Care (LTC) Facility Vaccine Immunization Requirements for Residents and Staff. This includes new requirements for educating residents or resident representatives and staff regarding the benefits and potential side effects associated with the COVID-19 vaccine, and offering the vaccine.

CMS COVID-19 Nursing Home Visitation- REVISED

Revised April 27, 2021, CMS issued new guidance for visitation in nursing homes during COVID-19. The guidance provides reasonable ways a nursing home can safely facilitate in-person visitation to address the psychosocial needs of residents.

"CMS is committed to continuing to take critical steps to ensure America’s healthcare facilities are prepared to respond to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Public Health Emergency (PHE)."

The CDC published a toolkit that provides long-term care facility administrators and clinical leadership with information and resources to help build vaccine confidence among healthcare personnel and residents.

"Receiving a COVID-19 vaccine is an important step to prevent getting sick with COVID-19 disease. The decision to get vaccinated protects more than just an individual’s health. It can also help protect coworkers, residents, families, and communities. Vaccination is an important tool to help stop the pandemic."

Updated March 2021, CMS published a toolkit that catalogs innovative solutions designed at the state level to protect vulnerable nursing home residents during the COVID-19 pandemic.

"This information was collected by the QIOs in late April 2020, and compiled by CMS and its contractors to provide a rapid-access compendium for providers and administrators of nursing homes in the United States to learn from the many creative plans that state governments and other entities have put into operation in a short period of time."

On August 25, 2020, CMS published guidance and updates for Nursing Homes during COVID-19.

On June 13, 2020, CDC published consolidated COVID-19 testing recommendations, including updates to testing guidelines for nursing homes.

"Testing Guidelines for Nursing Homes is an important addition to other infection prevention and control (IPC) recommendations aimed at keeping COVID-19 out of nursing homes (as well as other long-term care facilities), detecting cases quickly if they do occur, and stopping further transmission in these facilities. Nursing home residents are at high risk for infection, serious illness, and death from the disease."