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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."

On September 18, 2019, CMS released...