Up-To-Date update

 

To: Nursing Home Providers/Stakeholders    From: Chad Fear, Nursing Facilities Section Manager, Health Facilities    We have received additional guidance from the CMS in applying the "up-to-date" definition.   1) The definition of up-to-date includes all recommended boosters (two at this time), if eligible.  2) Policies for additional precautions noted in guidance for F888 apply to those who are not fully vaccinated. Since up-to-date is not mentioned in the guidance for F888, at this time, these additional precautions will not apply to staff and contractors who are fully vaccinated, e.g. two weeks past having completed a primary series of vaccinations regardless of booster status. 3) All other requirements for residents, visitors, staff, and contractors pertaining to close contact, high-risk exposure, new admissions, communal dining/group activities/facility outings, source control, physical distancing, testing, quarantine, etc. as provided by the CDC, CMS and as described in the RCF Comprehensive Mitigation Guidance follow the current definitions of up-to-date and not up-to-date and must be implemented accordingly. 4) Facilities must track vaccination and booster status of all residents, staff, and contractors.   Surveyors will take into account earlier instruction to hold off addressing the second booster as a part of the definition of up-to-date. However, facilities must ensure compliance with this guidance moving forward. Please let me know if you have any questions.