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  • 1.  CMS and COVID Vaccinations

    Posted 05-30-2023 10:46

    Hello!

    I am sure you all are busy trying to figure out what the heck CMS is doing about COVID 19 vaccinations, I know I am!  Currently we are continuing to require them for employees with the ability to request an exception.  I have not seen any new information from CMS regarding the rule they imposed on healthcare facilities.  I know the state of Oregon has lifted their requirement, but we are still significantly funded by Medicare and Medicaid and must comply with CMS rules.  My question is who is not requiring the vaccination for employees?  I have been told by many that we are the only ones who continue to follow the CMS mandate and was wondering if that is true. If you are not requiring the vaccination, can you share your reasoning and do you know of any CMS update that may have slipped by me?

    Thanks!

     

    Nancy Mitchell  BSN, RN, CIC

    Infection Prevention /Staff Health  Coordinator

    Santiam Hospital and Clinics

    Email : nmitchell@santiamhospital.org

    Office phone: 503-769-9249

    Cell phone: 503-498-8887

    CIC_Certification[2]

    Santiam Hospital and Clinics Logo

    The materials and information in this email are private and may contain Protected Health Information.

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  • 2.  RE: CMS and COVID Vaccinations

    Posted 05-31-2023 11:04

    Hello Nancy,

    We are in the same boat as you and do still require the COVID vaccine.  I do not see this changing until CMS changes its ruling.  I do not think we are in the minority and will be interested to hear other responses.

    Best,

    Margot Williams RN BSN




  • 3.  RE: CMS and COVID Vaccinations

    Posted 05-31-2023 11:19

    Hi Nancy,

     

    We are also awaiting the CMS "details" that they promised.  We still require vaccination per CMS until we receive their update. 

     

    Enjoy your day!

     

    Lori Graber, RN CIC

    Infection Prevention

    Phone: (541) 962-2537

    Fax: (541) 962-2506

    Llg04@grh.org

    Grande Ronde Hospital

     

     






  • 4.  RE: CMS and COVID Vaccinations

    Posted 05-31-2023 12:24

    https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2023/05/01/the-biden-administration-will-end-covid-19-vaccination-requirements-for-federal-employees-contractors-international-travelers-head-start-educators-and-cms-certified-facilities/

    federal mandate ended May 11th. From what I can understand. 



    ------------------------------
    Connie Jubitz BSN, RN, CIC
    Mid Columbia Medical Center
    The Dalles, Oregon 97058
    (541)296-7398
    ------------------------------



  • 5.  RE: CMS and COVID Vaccinations

    Posted 05-31-2023 13:15

    Even though Oregon lifted the requirement and Whitehouse ended the PHE, our facility is still waiting CMS to lift the requirement:

    Reference:

    The May 1 CMS memo QS0-23-13-ALL (cms.gov) indicated that additional details regarding the healthcare vaccine requirement were forthcoming:

    "In light of these developments and comments received on the interim final rule, CMS will

    soon end the requirement that covered providers and suppliers establish policies and procedures

    for staff vaccination. CMS will share more details regarding ending this requirement at the

    anticipated end of the public health emergency."



    ------------------------------
    LoriGraber
    Infection Preventionist
    La Grande
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 6.  RE: CMS and COVID Vaccinations

    Posted 05-31-2023 15:01

    Thank you!



    ------------------------------
    Connie Jubitz BSN, RN, CIC
    Mid Columbia Medical Center
    The Dalles, Oregon 97058
    (541)296-7398
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 7.  RE: CMS and COVID Vaccinations

    Posted 05-31-2023 16:54

    Hi IPs, 

    Coincidently, I received a response to my CMS email inquiry moments ago:

    Today, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released a final rule ending the health care staff vaccination requirements that were issued in the IFC titled, "Omnibus COVID-19 Health Care Staff Vaccination." Because the PHE ended May 11, CMS will not be enforcing the staff vaccination provisions between now and the effective date of rule, which is 60 days after publication. CMS is also finalizing the requirements for Long-Term Care Facilities and Intermediate Care Facilities for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities to provide education about and to offer COVID-19 vaccines to residents, clients, and staff.

    To view the final rule, please visit: https://www.federalregister.gov/public-inspection/current



    ------------------------------
    LoriGraber
    Infection Preventionist
    La Grande
    ------------------------------



  • 8.  RE: CMS and COVID Vaccinations

    Posted 05-31-2023 17:07

    Thanks Lori! Let's all do the happy dance now!!!

     

    Nancy Mitchell  BSN, RN, CIC

    Infection Prevention /Staff Health  Coordinator

    Santiam Hospital and Clinics

    Email : nmitchell@santiamhospital.org

    Office phone: 503-769-9249

    Cell phone: 503-498-8887

    CIC_Certification[2]

    Santiam Hospital and Clinics Logo

    The materials and information in this email are private and may contain Protected Health Information.

    If you are not the intended recipient, be advised that any unauthorized use, disclosure, copying,

    distribution or the taking of any action associated with the contents of this information is strictly

    prohibited. If you have received this email in error, please notify the sender via email.

     




    Original Message