CMS releases COVID-19 training for nursing homes

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services yesterday released its national training program to prevent and control COVID-19 in Medicare- and Medicaid-certified nursing homes. The training incorporates best practices and lessons learned from COVID-19 outbreaks in nursing homes and CMS inspections, with input from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention experts. Topics range from basic infection control to telehealth, emergency preparedness and vaccine delivery. CMS offers an online self-assessment tool at its Quality Improvement Organization website to help nursing home staff identify their prevention training needs. To access the CMS Targeted COVID-19 Training for Frontline Nursing Home Staff & Management, visit the agency’s Quality, Safety & Education Portal.

According to the Department of Health and Human Services, nursing homes must participate in the training to qualify for funding from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act’s Provider Relief Fund.

CMS and CDC also will offer through Jan. 7 bi-weekly Q&A webinars on COVID-19 prevention for nursing home managers. Register for the webinars here.