The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has issued a Quality & Safety Memo providing guidance for infection control and prevention of COVID-19 in hospitals, psychiatric hospitals, and critical access hospitals. The memo emphasizes coordination with the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and local public health departments and outlines actions for facilities to take, such as screening, discharge, transfers, staffing, and visitation. CMS has also waived several requirements to increase hospital capacity and remove administrative burdens. The memo addresses frequently asked questions related to patient placement, transmission mitigation, and staffing shortages. Healthcare facilities are advised to monitor the CDC website for updates and to contact their local health department for questions or suspected COVID-19 cases.

Summaries are generataed using AI. Check important information.