CMS guides on infection control and prevention in home health agencies
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is giving new guidance to ensure healthcare facilities have up-to-date information to respond to COVID-19 concerns and protect American patients and residents.
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Their guidance includes:
• Coordination with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and local public health departments - We encourage all Home Health Agencies to monitor the CDC website for information and resources and contact their local health department when needed (CDC Resources for Health Care Facilities).
• Home Health Guidance and Actions - CMS regulations and guidance support Home Health Agencies (HHAs) taking appropriate action to address potential and confirmed COVID cases and mitigate transmission including screening, treatment, and transfer to higher level care (when appropriate). This guidance applies to both Medicare and Medicaid providers; additional information about CMS waivers and regulations, and CDC guidance are added for optimizing personal protective equipment and return to work criteria for healthcare personnel with confirmed or suspected COVID-19.
• Recommendations for Visitation in Residential Facilities not Certified by Medicare: CMS is providing recommendations to home healthcare personnel who care for patients in residential settings such as assisted and independent living facilities.
• Medicare Participating Religious Nonmedical Healthcare Institutions (RNHCIs) and Actions- CMS is providing additional guidance for RNHCIs related to addressing potential and confirmed COVID cases and mitigating transmission including screening, treatment, and transfer to higher level care (when appropriate).
