CMS has released the memo “Guidance for Infection Control and Prevention of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Intermediate Care Facilities for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities (ICF/IIDs) and Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facilities (PRTFs).” This 10-page memo provides guidance, an extensive Q&A section, and many helpful links.

Memorandum Summary:

• CMS is committed to taking critical steps to ensure America’s health care facilities and clinical laboratories are prepared to respond to the threat of COVID-19.
• Guidance for Infection Control and Prevention of COVID-19 – CMS is providing additional guidance to intermediate care facilities to help them improve their infection control and prevention practices to prevent the transmission of COVID-19, including revised guidance for visitation.
• Coordination with the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and local public health departments – We encourage all Intermediate Care Facilities for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities (ICF/IIDs) and Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facilities (PRTFs) to monitor the CDC website for information and resources, and contact their local health department when needed (CDC Resources for Health Care Facilities).