CMS Updates Nursing Home Vistation Guidance FAQ
February 3, 2022 | Uncategorized
On February 2, 2022, CMS updated its visitation guidance FAQ, stressing that facilities must permit visitation regardless of visitor’s vaccination status “if the visitor does not report COVID-19 symptoms or meet the criteria for quarantine.” The FAQ includes new recommendations for improving ventilation and air quality to help reduce risk of spread. These recommendations include:
- Adding ultraviolet germicidal irradiation to the HVAC system
- Adding portable room air cleaners with HEPA filters to communal areas
- Adding portable fans close to open windows to pull room air outside and pull outdoor air inside
- Using ceiling fans at low velocity in reverse-low direction
- Opening windows when practicable