CMS Releases Surveyor Vaccination Expectations (SNF)

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued QSO-22-10-ALL Vaccination Expectations For Surveyors Performing Federal Oversight on January 25, 2022. The memo outlines vaccination expectations for surveyors, requiring they either be fully vaccination, have approved exemptions or temporary delays to continue onsite survey work. This guidance is effective as of February 24, 2022. 

Unvaccinated surveyors may, at the state agencies discretion, be utilized for offsite survey or enforcement activities, but will not be allowed to participate in onsite surveys. The memo shared that the State Survey Agencies are ultimately responsible for compliance, and as such providers are not permitted to ask surveyors for proof of vaccination status as a precondition for entry.