New Guidance from CMS and CDC

On April 2, CMS and CDC issued a new set of recommendations after learning from on-site surveys that more needs to be done to prevent further spread of COVID-19.  Major highlights of this guidance are presented below. Advocates are urged to read the full guidance.

• Nursing homes should ensure they are complying with all CMS and CDC guidance about infection control, with a particular focus on hand hygiene.
• State and local leaders should work together to help address nursing home needs for PPE and tests.
• Facilities should screen every single person entering the facility (with the exception of EMS personnel responding to an emergency).
  • Access points should be limited and have screening stations.
• PPE should be used to a greater extent.
  • All staff must wear facemasks.
  • Staff must wear full PPE:
    • To care for a resident with COVID-19.
    • To care for all residents when there is COVID-19 transmission in the facility.
  • Residents should wear facemasks:
    • If and when they leave the room regularly for care (e.g. dialysis).
    • If they are COVID-19 positive or assumed to be.
  • Residents should cover their noses and mouth (with tissue) in their rooms when staff are present.
• Residents with COVID-19 and those with suspected COVID-19 should be separated from residents who don’t have it or who have unknown status.
  • Facilities should use separate staffing teams for COVID-19  residents and exercise consistent assignment for all residents.
  • Facilities should work with state/local leaders to designate separate facilities or units within a facility.
    • State agencies, hospitals, nursing home associations and other entities should coordinate to determine which nursing homes are designated COVID-19 positive and to provide adequate staff and PPE.
  • COVID-19 units/facilities must be capable of strict infection control practices and testing protocols.

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David Wingate is an estate planning and elder law attorney at Estate and Elder Planning by David Wingate. The Estate and Elder Planning office services clients with powers of attorneys, living wills, Wills, Trusts, Medicaid and asset protection. The Elder Law office has locations in Frederick, Washington and Montgomery Counties, Maryland.

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