COVID-19 Update | Reminder: ACT NOW to Prepare for the CMS Vaccine Mandate
The deadlines for providers to meet the CMS Omnibus COVID-19 Health Care Staff Vaccination Interim Final Rule (IFR) on vaccination mandates begin next week.
Skilled Nursing Facilities, Nursing Facilities, and ICF-IIDs must establish a policy ensuring that all eligible staff be vaccinated for COVID-19 or request a medical or religious exemption by the following deadlines:
- Phase 1 – December 6, 2021: Staff must have received at least the first dose of a two-dose COVID-19 vaccine or a one-dose COVID-19 vaccine.
- Phase 2 – January 4, 2022: Staff must be fully vaccinated, except staff who have been granted exemptions, or those whom COVID-19 vaccination must be temporarily delayed as recommended by the CDC due to clinical precautions and considerations.
To help providers comply with this requirement, AHCA has developed a template policy and procedures on the COVID-19 vaccination mandate. AHCA will also host member-only Office Hours on Friday, December 3 at 2 PM ET with AHCA/NCAL Chief Medical Officer Dr. David Gifford and Vice President of Quality and Programs Courtney Bishnoi to discuss the latest available information about the IRF and answer questions. Registration is required and limited.
Additionally, a recording of the AHCA member-only webinar on implementing religious and medical exemptions is now available.
CMS has recently updated its Frequently Asked Questions on the IRF, which AHCA recommends providers review.
Please contact covid19@ahca.org with any questions.
Other COVID-19 Updates
HRSA Releases ARP Rural Distribution: HRSA has begun the $7.5 billion American Rescue Plan Rural Distribution. These payments are being made to providers and suppliers who have served rural Medicaid, Children’s Health Insurance Program, and Medicare beneficiaries from January 1, 2019 through September 30, 2020. Read More
Opportunity to Provide Feedback to OSHA on the Vaccine/Testing Emergency Temporary Standard: Providers are encouraged to make their voices heard with OSHA regarding this vaccine and testing ETS. AHCA/NCAL has set up an action center with guidance for members to submit their feedback directly to OSHA. Comments must be submitted by December 6, 2021. Read More
Upcoming Webinars
Now Available! CMS Staff Vaccine Mandate: Implementing Religious & Medical Exemptions
Hosted by AHCA/NCAL
Access the Recording
State-based Approaches to Nursing Home and Other LTC Facility Support During COVID-19
Hosted by the CDC and Various Stakeholders
Tuesday, Nov. 30 at 4 PM ET
Join the Webinar (Advance Registration Not Required)
Office Hours: CMS Interim Final Rule on Vaccine Mandate
Hosted by AHCA/NCAL
Friday, Dec. 3 at 2 PM ET
Register (Required)
Please email COVID19@ahca.org for additional questions, or visit ahcancal.org/coronavirus for more information.
NYSHFA/NYSCAL CONTACTS:
Lisa Volk, RN, B.P.S., LNHA
Director, Clinical & Quality Services
518-462-4800 x15
Jackie Pappalardi, RN, BSN
Executive Director
518-462-4800 x16
