Attn: Nursing Home Providers
Important Reminder: Nursing Home Visitation – COVID-19
CMS memo QSO-20-39, Nursing Home Visitation – COVID-19, issued September 17, 2020, contains guidance and expectations on how nursing homes can safely facilitate in-person visitation to address the psychosocial needs of residents.
The physical separation from family and other loved ones has taken a physical and emotional toll on residents. As stated in CMS memo QSO-20-39, if a facility has had no COVID-19 cases in the last 14 days and its county positivity rate is low (green) or medium (yellow), a nursing home must facilitate in-person visitation consistent with the regulations, and the Core Principles of COVID-19 Infection Prevention in CMS memo QSO-20-39.
The failure to facilitate in-person visitation, without adequate reasons related to clinical necessity or resident safety, would constitute a potential violation of 42 CFR 483.10(f) (4), and the facility would be subject to citation and enforcement actions.
Newly admitted residents and readmitted residents are not eligible for visitation for at least 14 days as part of their quarantine process, except for compassionate care visits.
Questions
If you have questions about this information, please contact your Division of Quality Assurance Bureau of Nursing Home Resident Care Regional Office.
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