Attn: Nursing Home Providers
RESCINDED: DHS Essential Visitor Guidance for Nursing Homes
The Department of Health Services has rescinded the DHS Essential Visitor Guidance for Nursing Homes. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued CMS Memo QSO-20-39 Nursing Home Visitation September 17, 2020 with similar guidance. The department has rescinded the DHS Essential Visitor Guidance for Nursing Homes to avoid any confusion.
Please refer to the CMS Memo QSO-20-39 Nursing Home Visitation memorandum summary and background information provided below:
- Visitation Guidance: CMS is issuing new guidance for visitation in nursing homes during the COVID-19 PHE. The guidance provides reasonable ways a nursing home can safely facilitate in-person visitation to address the psychosocial needs of residents.
- Use of Civil Money Penalty (CMP) Funds: CMS will now approve the use of CMP funds to purchase tents for outdoor visitation and/or clear dividers (e.g., Plexiglas or similar products) to create physical barriers to reduce the risk of transmission during in-person visits.
Background
Nursing homes have been severely impacted by COVID-19, with outbreaks causing high rates of infection, morbidity, and mortality. The vulnerable nature of the nursing home population, combined with the inherent risks of congregate living in a healthcare setting, have required aggressive efforts to limit COVID-19 exposure and to prevent the spread of COVID-19 within nursing homes. In March 2020, CMS issued memorandum QSO-20-14-NH providing guidance to facilities on restricting visitation of all visitors and non-essential health care personnel, except for certain compassionate care situations, such as an end-of-life situation. In May 2020, CMS released Nursing Home Reopening Recommendations, which provided additional guidance on visitation for nursing homes as their states and local communities progress through the phases of reopening. In June 2020, CMS also released a Frequently Asked Questions document on visitation, which expanded on previously issued guidance on topics such as outdoor visits, compassionate care situations, and communal activities.
While CMS guidance has focused on protecting nursing home residents from COVID-19, we recognize that physical separation from family and other loved ones has taken a physical and emotional toll on residents. Residents may feel socially isolated, leading to increased risk for depression, anxiety, and other expressions of distress. Residents living with cognitive impairment or other disabilities may find visitor restrictions and other ongoing changes related to COVID-19 confusing or upsetting. CMS understands that nursing home residents derive value from the physical, emotional, and spiritual support they receive through visitation from family and friends. In light of this, CMS is revising the guidance regarding visitation in nursing homes during the COVID-19 PHE. The information contained in this memorandum supersedes and replaces previously issued guidance and recommendations regarding visitation.
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