Federal Vaccination Requirement for Certified Facilities

 

To: Federally certified facilities   From: Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment   On Thursday, November 4, 2021 the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a temporary rule requiring health care workers at federally certified facilities to be vaccinated against COVID-19. This rule became effective on November 5, 2021. The implementation of the CMS rule does not change the state requirements for all licensed health care facilities in Colorado.    Important information from the CMS rule:   All staff who provide care, treatment, or other services for the facility or its patients must be vaccinated for COVID-19. 100% of staff must be vaccinated or have a medical or religious exemption. Medical and religious exemptions are allowed. Those with exemptions must provide accommodations to ensure safety for other staff and patients based on facility determination. First doses are required by December 5, 2021. Second doses are required by January 4, 2022. CMS has developed a slideshow and frequently asked questions to provide additional information.