CMS Issues Revised COVID-19 Staff Vaccination Requirements (SNF)

On November 5, 2021, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) published an interim final rule with comment period. This rule establishes requirements regarding COVID-19 vaccine immunization of staff among Medicare- and Medicaid-certified providers and suppliers. 

This past week, CMS issued QSO 22-02-ALL, revising guidance for staff vaccination requirements related to compliance with the staff vaccination regulatory requirements. The memorandum replaces and consolidates information from previous memoranda QSO 22-07-ALL Revised, QSO 22-09-ALL Revised, and

QSO 22-11-ALL Revised.

Included are clarifications related to the identification and use of additional precautions, as well as reducing the required compliance reviews. Compliance will be evaluated at new, initial Certification surveys; annual Recertification surveys; and Abbreviated Complaint surveys with intakes specifically alleging noncompliance with the vaccination requirements.