CMS Issues Interim Final Rule on COVID-19 Vaccination Requirements for LTC Facilities & IDD Residents/Staff

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) published an interim final rule with comment period (IFC) in the May 13, 2021 Federal Register that revises the infection control requirements that long-term care (LTC) facilities and intermediate care facilities for individuals with intellectual disabilities must meet to participate in the Medicare and Medicaid programs. The goal of this IFC is to reduce the spread of COVID-19 by requiring education about COVID-19 vaccines for LTC facility residents, ICF-IID clients, and staff serving both populations, and by requiring that such vaccines, when available, be offered to all residents, clients, and staff. It also requires LTC facilities to report COVID-19 vaccination status of residents and staff to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). These requirements are necessary to help protect the health and safety of ICF-IID clients and LTC facility residents. In addition, the rule solicits public comments on the potential application of these or other requirements to other congregate living settings over which CMS has regulatory or other oversight authority. The regulations are effective on May 21, 2021; however, comments will be accepted but must be submitted by 5:00 pm on July 12, 2021 to be assured for consideration.