Despite ongoing federal guidance requiring nursing homes to maintain visitor access, some states in January began imposing stricter rules as COVID-19 cases surged.
A 30-day California health order effective Jan. 7 required nursing home visitors to show proof of full vaccination, a booster shot and a negative COVID test before entering any skilled nursing facility.
On the same day, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) announced nursing home visitors there soon would need to show proof of a negative COVID test within 24 hours of a visit and wear a surgical mask as opposed to a cloth one. Hochul encouraged visitors to test at home in advance of their visits, so as not to tax nursing home workers, but the state also sent rapid tests to facilities.
Providers across the country had asked for federal permission to screen visitors before allowing them access, but Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services rules issued in November do not allow them to restrict visitors except in rare instances when outbreaks exceed 30% of the resident population.
It was unclear at press time whether providers in states with local health orders blocking unvaccinated visitors could face federal regulatory scrutiny or penalties.
From the January/February 2022 Issue of McKnight's Long-Term Care News
