Vaccination of Nursing Home Surveyors

Advancing Excellence was dismayed to read CMS’s recent announcement that they are rescinding the requirement that state inspectors working under contract to CMS to inspect nursing homes must be vaccinated. This decision comes as the B2 variant and newer variants spread and cases of COVID-19 increase in nursing homes. In addition, CDC has recently recommended additional booster shots to protect the older adults. Inspectors meet with residents and staff during their 3 to 4 day visits to nursing homes.  This decision is inconsistent with the epidemiology and with the logic used by CMS to require health care staff to be vaccinated.  Advancing Excellence is concerned that this sends a mixed message and will put residents of nursing homes at risk of COVID-19 infections.  Advancing Excellence calls on the administration to revisit this decision.

The Advancing Excellence in Long-Term Care Collaborative (AE) is a membership-based, not-for-profit national organization which provides a forum for government, professional, consumer, trade, clinical, and other stakeholders to discuss diverse perspectives, policies, regulations, and environmental trends that affect post-acute and long-term services and supports (LTSS).