Clarification on Additional Precautions for Unvaccinated Staff (SNF)

Although the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) shared the intent to rescind vaccination requirements for staff, CMS has not officially issued a rescission or additional guidance for managing staff members who currently are covered by an approved exemption and subject to the use of additional precautions. Due to the number of questions received, CMS recently shared a clarification to that end:

CMS requires facilities to implement additional precautions for staff who are not fully vaccinated to decrease the risk of COVID-19 transmission.  Which precautions a facility chooses to implement is at the facility’s discretion and should be based on current CDC recommendations and conditions specific to their facility and community. Facilities may also consult with their local health departments to identify other actions that can potentially reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission from unvaccinated staff.

Please see Attachment A of CMS memo QSO 23-02-ALL for additional information on staff vaccination requirements. If you have additional questions or concerns, please forward them to the DNH Triage Team. We value your interest and thank you for helping to optimize the health, safety and quality of life for people living in nursing homes.