COVID-19 Vaccination Requirements

NAHC

We want to remind providers that with the end of the PHE the requirement for Medicare and Medicaid-certified providers and suppliers to ensure that their staff are fully vaccinated for COVID-19 (or meet exemption criteria) is still in effect.  The White House announced on May 1 that it will start the process to end the vaccination requirements for CMS-certified healthcare facilities and CMS stated in a memo on the same day that  "CMS will soon end the requirement that covered providers and suppliers establish policies and procedures for staff vaccination. CMS will share more details regarding ending this requirement at the anticipated end of the public health emergency. We continue to remind everyone that the strongest protection from COVID-19 is the vaccine. Therefore, CMS urges everyone to stay up to date with your COVID-19 vaccine."  

The requirements are part of the interim final rule with comment period (IFC), Medicare and Medicaid Programs; Omnibus COVID–19 Health Care Staff Vaccination, and requires certified providers to establish and implement policies and procedures for COVID–19 vaccination of all staff (includes employees; licensed practitioner; students, trainees, and volunteers; and other individuals) who provide care, treatment, or other services for the provider or its patients.  As of today, CMS has not released any information about the ending of this requirement.