If finalized, SNFs would no longer be required to report staff COVID‑19 vaccination status through NHSN, and the COVID‑19 vaccination item would be removed from the MDS beginning in FY 2027.

The release is in response to the clarification made to the Long-Stay Antipsychotic measure in Chapter 1, Section 6.

Nursing homes should ensure data accuracy and timely submission by reviewing staffing records, confirming vaccination documentation, and coordinating with infection prevention and quality teams well in advance of the May 15^th deadline.

The CDC has implemented a geolocation feature to help improve mapping of providers; they have confirmed that nursing homes’ ability to report data to comply with CMS requirements for reporting COVID-19 data and COVID-19 and flu vaccination uptake among residents and staff will not be impacted.

The reports detail findings of OIG’s comprehensive review of 40 focused nursing home inspections completed by CMS from 2018 through 2021.

Manual entry of staffing hours will continue to allow up to a maximum of 24 hours/day until April 1, 2026 without causing a fatal error. After April 1, 2026, the maximum hours/day allowed will be 22.5 hours.

Nursing homes should view recent press coverage on antipsychotic use as part of an ongoing public discussion, not as confirmation of imminent policy change. LeadingAge will continue to monitor developments closely and provide updates if and when CMS signals concrete action.

The updates do not include any new policies, but rather reflect existing policies that previously were not included in the SOM.