DOH notified covered providers that any personnel previously granted a religious exemption must either be vaccinated, given a medical exemption, or given a permissible religious accommodation (i.e., telework) by Nov. 22^nd. Further analysis of the CMS staff vaccination mandate revealed that it applies to board members.

The comments to the Public Health and Health Planning Council request changes in regulations governing personal/compassionate caregiving visitation and staff vaccination mandates. They also highlight the staffing shortages faced by long term care providers and reiterate flaws in the nursing home minimum hours and minimum direct care spending regulations.

During 2020 and 2021, providers were instructed to bill original Medicare for certain COVID-19 services provided to Advantage enrollees. In 2022, providers will resume billing Advantage plans for these services.

HRSA is allowing providers more time to submit PRF questions.

CMS issued new nursing home visitation guidance on Nov. 12^th that lifted most restrictions on visitation and communal activities. DOH issued guidance on Nov. 16^th directing nursing homes to adhere to the new CMS guidance and immediately implement its provisions.

CMS issues QSO on changes to survey process.

Members are encouraged to have frontline staff complete a Learning Needs Assessment to gauge interest in various training modalities.

As a result of legislation enacted in 2021, nursing homes are now required to post certain items to their website.