New Reporting and Testing
Requirements for Nursing Homes
August 26, 2020

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced a new, third interim final rule which includes sweeping regulatory changes requiring additional testing and reporting.

New Reporting and Testing Requirements
  • The recommendation from May 2020 in which CMS provided re-opening recommendations to nursing homes and states calling for baseline testing of all residents and staff, and routine testing of staff is now a requirement for participation in the Medicare and Medicaid programs.
  • CMS recommendations for the frequency of staff testing will be based on the degree of community spread, to be announced shortly through guidance, that indicate the facility may be at increased risk for COVID-19 transmission.
  • CMS now requires that nursing homes will offer tests to residents when there is an outbreak or residents show symptoms.
  • Surveyors will inspect nursing homes for adherence to the new testing requirements. Facilities that do not comply with the new requirements will be cited for non-compliance and may face civil money penalties.
  • All laboratories conducting COVID-19 testing and reporting patient-specific results, including hospital labs, nursing homes, and other facilities will be required to report COVID-19 test results daily to the HHS Secretary.
  • Additional guidance regarding reporting requirements for hospitals, critical access hospitals, and laboratories is also included in the rule.

Physician and Pharmacist Orders for Tests
  • CMS is also revising its policy regarding repeated COVID-19 testing to state that each beneficiary may receive one COVID-19 test without the order of a physician or other health practitioner, but Medicare will require an order for all further COVID-19 tests.
  • CMS is also paying for tests when ordered by a pharmacist or other healthcare professional authorized under applicable state law to order diagnostic laboratory tests.

CLICK HERE to view the press release from CMS.
CLICK HERE to view the new interim final rule.
Medicaid Flexibilities
In addition to the announcement regarding testing and reporting, CMS released guidance for state Medicaid agencies on new flexibilities they have made available under emergency authorities to increase reimbursement for nursing facilities that implement specific infection control practices, such as designating a quarantine or isolation wing for COVID-19 patients.

CLICK HERE to view the bulletin on Medicaid Reimbursement Strategies to Prevent Spread of COVID-19 in Nursing Facilities.
CMS National Training for Frontline
Nursing Home Staff & Management
CMS has implemented a national nursing home training program designed to equip both frontline caregivers and their management with the knowledge they need to stop the spread of COVID-19 in their nursing homes.

Training Specifics
The CMS Targeted COVID-19 Training for Frontline Nursing Home Staff & Management is available now, with five specific modules designed for frontline clinical staff and 10 designed for nursing home management.

CMS is directing Quality Improvement Organizations (QIOs) to include the training in the action plans that QIOs develop in collaboration with each nursing home they assist.

CMS and CDC will also have subject matter experts available on bi-weekly webinars from August 27, 2020, through January 7, 2021, from 4:00 – 5:00 p.m. ET, to answer questions. Participants can register for the Question and Answer sessions here.

If a nursing home’s staff is unsure which training module best meets their needs, CMS is offering an online self-assessment tool here to help them identify the appropriate training modules to best meet their needs.

CLICK HERE to access the training.
CLICK HERE to review the entire press release.
Reliant will continue to monitor and provide updates regarding
COVID-19 related legislation and guidance.