The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has issued a new Quality & Safety Memo, QSO-22-07-ALL, outlining guidance for the interim final rule on COVID-19 vaccination requirements for staff in Medicare- and Medicaid-certified providers and suppliers. The memo emphasizes CMS's commitment to an evidence-based response to the COVID-19 pandemic and provides guidance on assessing and maintaining compliance with the new regulatory requirements. The memo does not apply to certain states at this time, and surveyors in those states should not implement or enforce the interim final rule. Healthcare facilities must ensure that all staff are vaccinated, have a pending request for, or have been granted a qualifying exemption, or are identified as having a temporary delay as recommended by the CDC. Non-compliance may result in enforcement actions, such as civil monetary penalties, denial of payments, or termination of participation in Medicare and Medicaid programs. Surveyors will begin assessing compliance 30 days after the issuance of the memo.

Summaries are generataed using AI. Check important information.