This upcoming update features a wide variety of revisions, several new policies, and a structural change to gather COVID-19 policies in one place.  As we enter flu season and continue dealing with the pandemic, make sure your facility is up to date with the policies that will keep your staff and residents healthy through the holidays.

On November 5, 2021, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released an interim final rule requiring all staff members be fully vaccinated by January 4, 2022. In compliance with this rule, staff is entitled to appropriate accommodations when they request and receive exemption from the vaccination.  

These resources help meet these requirements with ease!

This manual has been designed and written to provide a comprehensive operational template for new and existing hospice agencies. The policies and procedures in this manual are based on Medicare Hospice CoPs (Conditions of Participation) and The Joint Commission, Community Health Accreditation Program (CHAP) and Accreditation Commission for Health Care (ACHC) standards.

Updated in July 2021, this manual provides an operational template for new start-up home care agencies looking to refresh the way they operate and home care agencies seeking Medicare certification and/or accreditation with ACHC, CHAP or The Joint Commission. The manual is updated annually to reflect standards and best practices set forth by several governing bodies. 

This two-sided form provides either employees or residents/patients with general information to help make an informed decision about being vaccinated against COVID-19.

In a continued effort to help your agency meet CMS’ Home Health Emergency Preparedness CoPs, this manual was updated June 2021!

Developed in partnership with ASCP and MED-PASS, this new toolkit is a comprehensive look at the opioid crisis in America, and what pharmacists can do to positively impact patients and prescribers.

On May 11, 2021, CMS published an interim final rule with comment period (IFC). This rule establishes Long-Term Care (LTC) Facility Vaccine Immunization Requirements for Residents and Staff. This includes new requirements for educating residents or resident representatives and staff regarding the benefits and potential side effects associated with the COVID-19 vaccine, and offering the vaccine.

CMS COVID-19 Nursing Home Visitation- REVISED

Revised April 27, 2021, CMS issued new guidance for visitation in nursing homes during COVID-19. The guidance provides reasonable ways a nursing home can safely facilitate in-person visitation to address the psychosocial needs of residents.

"CMS is committed to continuing to take critical steps to ensure America’s healthcare facilities are prepared to respond to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Public Health Emergency (PHE)."

The CDC published a toolkit that provides long-term care facility administrators and clinical leadership with information and resources to help build vaccine confidence among healthcare personnel and residents.

"Receiving a COVID-19 vaccine is an important step to prevent getting sick with COVID-19 disease. The decision to get vaccinated protects more than just an individual’s health. It can also help protect coworkers, residents, families, and communities. Vaccination is an important tool to help stop the pandemic."