The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has issued a memorandum reinforcing existing requirements for nursing homes to report communicable diseases, healthcare-associated infections, and potential outbreaks to State and Local health departments. CMS will also require facilities to report this data to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in a standardized format and frequency. Failure to report confirmed COVID-19 cases among residents or staff could result in enforcement action. Additionally, CMS will soon require nursing homes to notify residents and their representatives of confirmed COVID-19 cases within the facility. Facilities must inform residents and representatives within 12 hours of a single confirmed infection or three or more residents or staff with new-onset respiratory symptoms within 72 hours. Weekly updates must also be provided. Non-compliance could result in enforcement action against the nursing home by CMS.

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