Greetings!

This message includes
  • information about the new FAQs for QSO-20-29-NH-REVISED on visitation guidelines; and
  • an update from VDH on COVID-19 test kits.

Sincerely,

April Payne, MBA, LNHA
Chief Quality & Regulatory Affairs Officer
Executive Director of VCAL
Virginia Health Care Association | Virginia Center for Assisted Living 
CMS Issues New Visitation FAQs

Today CMS issued a new set of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on the revised nursing home visitation guidelines, outlined in memo QSO-20-39-NH REVISED. AHCA/NCAL and other associations have been advocating for clarity and flexibility on the most recent visitation guidance, particularly as the Omicron variant spreads across the United States this holiday season, when visits are frequent.

AHCA/NCAL has highlighted the most frequent questions from members in CMS’s four-page FAQs. We encourage providers to read the document in its entirety.

FAQ Highlights
  • Visitations must be allowed, but your state or local health department can restrict visitations during an infectious disease outbreak. You should also pause admissions if this happens.
  • Facilities must notify their state or local health department per CDC guidelines if:
  • One or more residents or staff with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 infection 
  • Resident with severe respiratory infection resulting in hospitalization or death
  • Three or more residents or staff with acute illness compatible with COVID-19 within a 72- hour period.

  • You can limit large gatherings and develop a schedule for visitation IF social distancing cannot be maintained. However, these strategies should only be employed when a high volume of visitors are expected.

  • You must require visitors to follow infection control practices, such as the use of source control masks, while in the building and communal areas.
  • During visits, residents have the right (not visitors) to decide if visitors will remove their mask or decide to not follow other core infection control practices (e.g., social distancing). We recommend you discuss what practices are followed and who they want to visit with your residents, or their representatives. Make note of resident wishes regarding:
  • The vaccination status of visitors. Note: residents can refuse to have visitors who are unvaccinated.
  • Use of masks and personal protective equipment (PPE) while in their room. Note: residents can require visitors to wear masks and maintain social distancing during the visit.
  • You can also inform visitors of the risk to themselves and the resident should they decide not to follow the use of masks and other core infection control practices while in a resident’s room during a visit.

  • Visits among residents who have roommates should ideally occur in a separate space or when the roommate(s) are out of the room. If this is not possible, an in-room visit can occur if social distancing and use of source control masks are followed. 

If you have any questions, contact AHCA/NCAL at COVID19@ahca.org.
VDH Update on COVID-19 Testing Kits

VHCA-VCAL reached out to VDH after receiving several member inquiries about testing supplies due to the increase in testing for staff now with the Omicron variant and vendor backorder situations.

VDH’s supply of kits is very limited. Facilities should email testinginfo@vdh.virginia.gov, if they need tests, but understand that VDH may not be able to fulfill all requests in full but will do the best it is able.

With the significant supply chain shortages with antigen cards, VDH is encouraging facilities to consider contracting with a private vendor as a “plan B” to support testing needs. This link may also be helpful in procuring tests.
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