Breaking News: Nursing Home Visitation – COVID-19 (REVISED)

Posted in COVID-19, Senior Living

Mary Madison, RN, RAC-CT, CDP
Clinical Consultant – Briggs Healthcare

Late this afternoon, CMS posted a revised QSO-20-39-NH … Nursing Home Visitation.

This 8-page memorandum was updated from its initial version, back on September 17, 2020.

“Since the release of QSO memorandum 20-39-NH on September 17, 2020, COVID-19 vaccines have received Emergency Use Authorization from the Food and Drug Administration. Millions of vaccinations have since been administered to nursing home residents and staff, and these vaccines have been shown to help prevent symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection (i.e., COVID-19). Therefore, CMS, in conjunction with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), is updating its visitation guidance accordingly, but emphasizing the importance of maintaining infection prevention practices, given the continued risk of COVID-19 transmission.”

Page 4 of this QSO is all in red ink – new guidance.  A good portion of page 5 also sees red ink.

Please review the entire QSO Memorandum with your team and respond accordingly.

This is long-awaited, hard-earned great news for the residents in your facility as well as their families and friends!  Good news for all who work in LTCFs as well.  Follow the guidance and open your doors to visitation in accordance with these latest guidelines.