News Article

Updated Nursing Home Visitation Guidance from CMS

November 15, 2021

On November 12, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) updated their Nursing Home Visitation Guidance.  After a year and a half of residents and their loved ones being separated from each other and subject to confusing and often ignored visitation guidance, visitation is now allowed at all times for all residents, this includes indoor visitation.  All visitors must continue to adhere to infection prevention practices.

Additional Key Points, include:

• Facilities can no longer limit frequency and length of visits, number of visitors, or require advanced scheduling of visits.
• Vaccinated and unvaccinated residents can have close contact, including touch.  Visitors should be advised of the risks of physical contact with unvaccinated residents before the visit.
• Communal activities and dining may occur while adhering to core principles of COVID-19 infection prevention.  The safest approach is for everyone, regardless of vaccination status to wear a mask while in communal areas.

On Thursday, November 18th at 3pm ET, Consumer Voice will be holding a webinar explaining the new visitation guidance.