Download the PDF version here
On Nov. 4, 2021, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued an emergency regulation requiring COVID-19 vaccination of eligible staff at health care facilities that participate in the Medicare and Medicaid programs. CMS also issued a set of FAQs on the vaccination requirement. The emergency regulation is effective beginning Nov. 5, 2021.
COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement
These requirements apply to Medicare and Medicaid-certified provider and supplier types that are regulated under the Medicare health and safety standards, including hospitals, clinics and long-term care facilities.
Facilities covered by this regulation must establish a policy ensuring that all eligible staff have received the first dose of a two-dose COVID-19 vaccine or a one-dose COVID-19 vaccine prior to providing any care, treatment, or other services by Dec. 6, 2021. All eligible staff must have received the necessary shots to be fully vaccinated—either two doses of Pfizer or Moderna or one dose of Johnson & Johnson—by Jan. 4, 2022.
The regulation provides for exemptions based on recognized medical conditions or religious beliefs. Facilities must develop a similar process or plan for permitting exemptions in alignment with federal law.
Comment Period
Stakeholders have 60 days to submit formal comments on the emergency regulation. However, since this is an emergency regulation, the requirements will go into effect immediately and before any additional response is provided on the comments by CMS. The comment period officially closes on Jan. 4, 2022. At that point, CMS will consider and respond to comments as a part of potential future rulemaking, if needed.
IMPORTANT DATES
Nov. 5, 2021
Publication and effective date of rule requiring COVID-19 vaccines for health care workers.
Dec. 6, 2021
Deadline for health care facilities that participate in the Medicare and Medicaid programs to establish a policy requiring staff to be COVID-19 vaccinated.
Jan. 4, 2022
Deadline for eligible health care staff to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
Bottom Line
Affected health care facilities must ensure that their staff is fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by Jan. 4, 2022.
Lighthouse HR Support (LHRS) provides practical human resource information and guidance based upon our knowledge and experience in the industry and with our clients. LHRS services are not intended to be a substitute for legal advice. LHRS services are designed to provide general information to human resources and/or business professionals regarding human resource concerns commonly encountered. Given the changing nature of federal, state and local legislation and the changing nature of court decisions, LHRS cannot and will not guarantee that the information is completely current or accurate. LHRS services do not include or constitute legal, business, international, regulatory, insurance, tax or financial advice. Use of our services, whether by phone, email or in person shall indicate your acceptance of this knowledge.
