CMS Issues Guidance to Ensure the Safe Reopening of Nursing Homes

After President Trump revealed Guidelines for Opening Up America Again on May 18, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced new guidance for state and local officials to ensure the safe reopening of nursing homes across the country.  State leaders are encouraged to collaborate with the state survey agency and local health departments to develop a plan on how these criteria should be implemented.

CMS recommends that decisions on relaxing restrictions in nursing homes be made with careful review of the following facility-level, community, and state factors:

  • Case status in community
  • Case status in the nursing home(s)
  • Adequate staffing
  • Access to adequate testing
  • Universal source control
  • Access to adequate personal protective equipment (PPE) for staff
  • Local hospital capacity

Reliant’s Real Time Memo on this topic can be accessed here.

CMS’ guidance can be accessed here.

The Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document can be accessed here.

or questions or concerns related to this memo, please email the DNH Triage Team.

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