The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a Quality & Safety Memo outlining new guidance for COVID-19 staff vaccinations in healthcare facilities. The memo applies to Medicare- and Medicaid-certified providers and suppliers, excluding certain states. Facilities must develop and implement policies and procedures to ensure all staff are vaccinated for COVID-19. Within 30 days of the memo, 100% of staff should have received at least one vaccine dose or have a pending request for or granted qualifying exemption. Within 60 days, 100% of staff should have completed the vaccine series or have a granted exemption. 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 memo's issuance.

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