Items linked below are active guidance. All past orders can be found in the HCAM/MCAL Member Update Covid Archives.
MDHHS Epidemic Orders & FAQs Impacting SNFs & LTC Facilities:
- Jan. 20, 2022 – Nursing Home Vaccine Order
- Nov. 13, 2021 Requirements for Residential Care Facilities Orders. The prior March 17, 2021 and May 21, 2021 orders have been rescinded.
- October 15, 2021 – Standing Order for COVID-19 Testing – Rescission of February 2, 2021 Order
- October 12, 2021 – Testing in Skilled Nursing Facilities, Homes for the Aged, and Adult Foster Care Facilities – Rescission of May 5, 2021 Order
- October 7, 2021 – Guidance on Quarantine and Testing Requirements – Originally issued April 6, 2021
- July 27, 2021 Requirements for Residential Care Facilities Order Guidance Supplement. This document addresses FAQ’s regarding the May 21, 2021 Order, revised from June 15, 2021.
- April 30, 2021 – FAQ on HFA & AFC Direct Care Worker Wage Increase
Other MDHHS Resources:
- MDHHS LTC Pharmacy Partnership webpage, including resources and FAQs
- MDHHS CRC Policy
- MDHHS CRC Guidance & FAQs
- MDHHS CRF Policy – updated October 1, 2021
Federal Guidance & FAQs:
- QSO-22-15-NH & NLTC & LSC Blanket Waivers: Nurse Aide Training Competency and Evaluation Requirements – 8/31/22
- QSO-22-08-NH Weekend Staffing & Turnover – 1/7/22
- QSO 22 -07 All COVID Vaccine Mandate 12/28/21 – Attachment A
- QSO 22-02-ALL COVID Survey Activities
- QSO-22-10-ALL Federal Surveyor COVID Vaccine Mandate updated 1/25/22
- CMS Vaccine Mandate FAQs 11/18/21
- CMS S&C Memo 21-19-NH Interim Final Rule – COVID-19 Vaccine Immunization Requirements for Residents and Staff
- CMS S&C Memo 20-39-NH Nursing Home Visitation – COVID-19 Initially issued 9/17/20 and updated 11/12/21
- Visitation FAQs for Revised QSO-20-39 1/6/22
- CMS S&C Memo 20-38-NH Interim Final Rule (IFC), CMS-3401-IFC, Additional Policy and Regulatory Revisions in Response to the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency related to Long-Term Care (LTC) Facility Testing Requirements and Revised COVID-19 Focused Survey Tool Initially issued 8/26/20, updated 4/27/21 and revised 9/10/21
- CMS S&C Memo 20-35-ALL Enforcement Cases Held during the Prioritization Period and Revised Survey Prioritization
- CMS S&C Memo 20-33-NH Posting of Nursing Home Inspections
- CMS S&C Memo 20-31-ALL COVID-19 Survey Activities, CARES Act Funding, Enhanced Enforcement for Infection Control deficiencies, and Quality Improvement Activities in Nursing Homes: Initially issued 3/23/20 and updated 6/1/20
- CMS S&C Memo 20-30-NH Nursing Home Reopening Recommendations for State and Local Officials
- CMS S&C Memo 20-29-NH Interim Final Rule Updating Requirements for Notification of Confirmed and Suspected COVID-19 Cases Among Residents and Staff in Nursing Homes
- CMS S&C Memo 20-28-NH Nursing Home Five Star Quality Rating System updates, Nursing Home Staff Counts, Frequently Asked Questions, and Access to Ombudsman: Initially issued 4/24/20 and revised 7/9/20 and 3/10/21
CDC LTC Guidance:
Infection Prevention & Control
March 24, 2022
Spring Leadership Conference Presentation Followup – Dr. Karen Jones, MD CDC
Choosing a Mask or Respirator for Different Situations and Routine COVID Testing Cadence
We recommend checking the CDC website frequently for updates and new guidance. The Preparing for COVID-19 in Nursing Homes page contains numerous helpful links to additional guidance related to care & operations in the LTC setting.
- Healthcare Worker Return to Work guidance
- Healthcare worker quarantine, and impact of vaccination on visitation guidance
- Preparing for COVID-19 in Nursing Homes
- Considerations for COVID-19 preparation in Retirement & Independent Living Centers
- Considerations for COVID-19 preparation in Assisted Living Facilities
Updated August 30, 2022