To keep in line with CMS Guidelines, MED-PASS has updated its Vaccination of Staff policy and corresponding paperwork. CMS revisions include reviews of noncompliance levels, guidance to surveyors, and an appraisal of hospitalization statistics in regards to the continuing severity of COVID-19.

In June CMS released advanced Phase 3 guidance that is proposed to go into effect October 24th.  MED-PASS is working to provide updates as soon as the deadline hits.  Whether you need to purchase newly updated policies and procedures or are a current subscriber, MED-PASS has you covered!

Both the LTC RAI MDS and the Comprehensive LTC RAI User's Manual have been updated.  Be sure to check out the most recent updates to keep your MDS Coordinator ahead of the curve.  Both manuals include a flashdrive to ensure easy access to your content.

This will help you establish facility and state policy regarding reserving a resident's bed while outside of the facility. Provide this form upon admission, upon transfer or therapeutic leave, and if any changes are made to the state or facility policies regarding this matter.

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."