The COVID-19 Public Health Emergency ended on May 11th—but now what? Home health and hospice providers have received some information about how to return to normal following the COVID-19 waivers. However, we continue to wait for other clarifications and the OSHA final rule. In the meantime, CMS released a preview of its final rule on May 31st. …
The COVID-19 Public Health Emergency ended on May 11th—but now what? Home health and hospice providers have received some information about how to return to normal following the COVID-19 waivers. However, we continue to wait for other clarifications and the OSHA final rule. In the meantime, CMS released a preview of its final rule on May 31st. It will be posted in the Federal Register next week. The highlight of the rule for home health and hospice providers is the end of federally mandated COVID-19 vaccinations. This rule does not prohibit employers or states from initiating or maintaining their own vaccination requirements. Additionally, because the PHE ended, surveyors will not be enforcing staff vaccination provisions between now and the effective date of the final rule (unknown at this time). Providers should continue to comply to other COVID-19 rules until each element is clarified. Stay tuned for updates.
