CMS has rolled out mandatory vaccine requirements for employees working in post-acute care settings. The regulation clearly states that communities must provide documentation that their employee vaccination rate is 100%, excluding exemptions and delays. So, what does this mean to you? Bottom line, if your center is cited for not meeting the 100% vaccine requirement for employees, you will likely receive a citation in infection control.

Okay, we can handle a citation, right? We are used to being cited especially under infection control over the past 2 years. However, when the surveyors return and you are still not at 100%, you will likely be cited again, and your survey cycle will not close! The process is cumbersome and difficult if not impossible to attain compliance, not in small part due to the staffing challenges we are currently facing.

Our centers have many dedicated, hard-working, senior care workers who love our residents, however, for reasons as individual as each employee, many have chosen not to be vaccinated. Aside from tackling them to the ground and holding them hostage or terminating their employment, what alternative do we have? Quite the debacle, let’s keep the communication open with your associations and CMS. Make the call, write the letter, gather your troops, and hold your ground! Stay the course, stay informed and be well!