Omnibus COVID-19 Health Care Staff Vaccination Interim Final Rule Summary

On November 5, 2021, CMS published in the Federal Registeran interim final rule with comment period (IFC): Medicare and Medicaid Programs: Omnibus COVID-19 Health Care Staff Vaccination (86 FR 61555). The IFC revises   the conditions of participation for Medicare- and Medicaid-certified providers to establish COVID-19 vaccination requirements applicable to staff. CMS uses its broad statutory authority to establish health and safety regulations for Medicare-Medicaid-certified providers to establish vaccination requirements for the following types of facilities and services:

  • Ambulatory Surgical Centers
  • Hospices
  • Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facilities
  • Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly
  • Hospitals
  • Long Term Care Facilities, including Skilled Nursing Facilitie sand  Nursing Facilities
  • Intermediate Care Facilities for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities
  • Home Health Agencies
  • Comprehensive Outpatient Rehabilitation Facilities
  • Critical Access Hospitals
  • Clinics, Rehabilitation Agencies, and Public Health Agencies as providers of outpatient physical therapy and speech-language pathology services
  • Community Mental Health Centers
  • Home Infusion Therapy suppliers
  • Rural Health Clinics/Federally Qualified Health Centers
  • End-Stage Renal Disease Facilities

The IFC is accompanied by publication of a frequently asked questions document. Comments  are due on January 4, 2022.