Last week the Center for Medicare Services (CMS) posted an interim final rule and Memo QS0-21-19-NH for infection control requirements for long-term care. These regulations go into effect on May 21, 2021. Do you have policies and procedures in place to avoid the F887 Tag?

Memo QS0-21-19-NH

Memo QS0-21-19-NH states that long term care facilities (LTCF) must develop and implement policies and procedures for offering the COVID-19 vaccine and including the following:

• Offering the vaccine to residents and staff, unless the resident/staff is already vaccinated, or the vaccine is medically contraindicated.
• Before requesting consent for administration, LTCF must provide the resident/staff with education on the benefits, risks, and potential side effects.
• If the vaccine offered has multiple doses, education must be provided before the additional dose.
• Resident, resident representative, and staff must have the opportunity to accept, refuse, or change their mind on receiving the COVID-19 vaccine.

New Survey Tag: F-Tag F887 COVID-19 Immunization

This regulation requires the nursing home to develop and implement policies and procedures that staff, residents, and resident representatives received education on the COVID-19 vaccine, are offered the vaccine, and have the required documentation.

Resources for COVID-19 Vaccine Education

COVID-19 Vaccine Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) Fact Sheets for Recipients and Caregivers

Answering Common Questions About COVID-19 Vaccines

Preparing Residents for COVID-19 Vaccination

Contact Our Post-Acute Care Team about the F887 Tag

With the fast-approaching deadline, let Blue’s expert consultants help you keep your residents healthy and safe and avoid survey deficiencies by getting these policies and procedures in place. Please reach out to your local Blue & Co. Advisor or a member of the Post-Acute Care team.

Landon Hackett, Director

Nancy Hublar, Senior Manager

Stephanie Fey, Manager

Kayla Shelton, Senior Accountant

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