CMS eliminates COVID-19 vaccination requirements for health care workers

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services May 31 released regulatory changes to the COVID-19 health care staff vaccination requirements and long-term care facility testing requirements. The rule withdrew the COVID-19 health care staff vaccination requirements including removing the requirement for COVID-19 vaccination policies and procedures for health care staff. CMS’ quality measures assessing the proportion of health care workers who are vaccinated for COVID-19 remain in place. CMS proposed updated versions of the measures in several fiscal year 2024 payment rules this spring. The rule also eliminated long-term care facility COVID-19 testing requirements which had already expired in regulation but requires staff and residents of long-term care facilities be educated on the vaccine and its benefits. AHA members will receive a Special Bulletin with additional analysis