CMS Reinforces CDC COVID-19 Guidelines for Nursing Homes
(Dec. 22, 2025) The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has reaffirmed that nursing home providers must continue to follow the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommendations for managing residents and staff after COVID-19 infection.
Since the end of the public health emergency in 2023, LeadingAge has advocated for updated guidance, urging CMS to allow nursing homes to follow state or local public health requirements instead of outdated CDC protocols. Most recently, LeadingAge requested CMS to adopt more flexible standards that reflect current conditions.
However, CMS has clarified that providers are required to adhere to accepted national standards for infection prevention and control, and currently, CDC guidelines remain the recognized national standard for COVID-19. This means that nursing homes must continue to:
- Isolate residents for 10-20 days following a COVID-19 infection.
- Restrict health care personnel from work for 7-10 days after infection.
LeadingAge will continue to advocate for more up-to-date guidelines that prioritize the health and well-being of older adults while supporting operational realities in long-term care settings.
Contact: Carrie Mosley, cmosley@leadingageny.org, 518-867-8383 ext. 147