In the wake of COVID-19 isolation concerns in skilled nursing facilities(see, e.g., "Seniors Dying from Isolation Amid Pandemic- One Analysis Suggests Tens of Thousands," and "Survey Suggests 64% of Residents Don't Leave Rooms to Socialize; More Report Profound Loneliness"), the National Consumer Voice for Quality Long Term Care has published takeaways from the most recent CMS guidance on SNF visitation. The full CMS guidance is available here.
Here are some of the highlights:
Facilities should allow indoor visitation at all times and for all residents except in certain specific circumstances.
There are now fewer circumstances under which indoor visitation can be completely suspended.
Fully vaccinated residents can have close contact, including touch, with visitors as long as they wear a mask and practice hand hygiene.
Visitors should not be required to be tested or vaccinated as a condition of visitation.
CMS continues to emphasize that facilities shall not restrict visitation without a reasonable clinical or safety cause and that nursing homes must facilitate in-person visitation consistent with the federal nursing home regulations.
Visitation must be person-centered and “consider the resident’s physical, mental, and psychosocial well-being, and support their quality of life.”
Consumer Voice has also released the Summary of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Guidance on Quarantine for Residents of Long-Term Care Facilities. The full CDC guidance is available here.
