COVID-19: CMS Issues Infection Control Updates

Updated 04/08/2020

On April 8,2020 CMS issued a news release: CMS Issues New Wave of Infection Control Guidance Based on CDC Guidelines to Protect Patients and Healthcare Workers from COVID-19. This CMS guidance is supported by CDC nationally recognized guidelines, that reinforce infection control practices applicable to COVID-19 activities such as: patient triage, screening and treatment, the use of alternate testing and treatment sites and telehealth, drive-through screenings, limiting visitations, cleaning and disinfection guidelines, and staffing.

Key CMS Guidance Areas

Key CMS guidance areas that further support healthcare systems flexibility in responding to COVID-19 are the following:

For hospitals, critical access and psychiatric hospitals

Expanded recommendations on screening and visitation restrictions
Patient discharge to subsequent care locations
Recommendations related to staff screening and testing
Return-to-work policies
Revised EMTALA guidance for screening patients at offsite locations while the national emergency remains in force
Dialysis facilities

Provisions to allow for the establishment of facilities to treat those patients who tested positive for COVID-19 to be treated in separate locations.

For outpatient settings, ambulatory surgery centers, and federally qualified health centers

Recommendations on screening and visitation restrictions
Recommendations on cleaning and disinfection practices
Supply scarcity and closure
FDA recommendations
Encouraged to partner with others in their community to conserve and share critical resources

View the latest CMS guidance updates on infection control and CDC updates.

Need Immediate Assistance?

Where possible, TiER1 Healthcare is still providing on-site services for clients with urgent needs. We are equipped to serve you remotely and are ready to help. Our team can also help you close any leadership gaps during this high-pressure time by placing quality interim leaders within your organization. Contact us at 513-241-0142, or healthcare@tier1performanceold.qrvschg3-liquidwebsites.com.