CMS Updates Visitation and Testing for COVID-19 Amid End of PHE

Last week, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) updated its visitation memo QSO 20-39-NH with newly released CDC recommendations. CMS notes that source control is still expected for those with symptoms, a positive COVID-19 test result, or who were in close contact with someone who tested positive. Also, using source control is no longer tied to community transmission levels. However, facilities may identify local metrics that would signal an increase in respiratory viruses and prompt broader use of source control.

Also as of May 11, 2023, the testing memo, QSO-20-38-NH, will no longer be in effect. Testing for COVID-19 should be conducted by following accepted national standards, such as CDC recommendations. Noncompliance related to COVID-19 testing will be cited as F-tag 880.