Update: CMS Rescinds Memo Limiting Uses of COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Tests
On Oct. 7, 2022, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) rescinded its Sept. 26, 2022 QSO 22-25-CLIA, thereby enabling providers with limited service laboratory registrations to continue using all COVID-19 rapid antigen tests with Emergency Use Authorizations (EUAs) to test asymptomatic individuals, as well as symptomatic individuals. Prior to the Oct. 7th rescission, providers were concerned that they could no longer use certain rapid tests for routine screening testing of asymptomatic staff, testing of asymptomatic new admissions and readmissions, and outbreak testing of asymptomatic individuals.
As a result of the Oct. 7th rescission, effective immediately, CMS will continue to exercise enforcement discretion when COVID-19 tests are utilized outside of the EUAs. It is expected that this discretion will continue for the duration of the COVID-19 public health emergency.
Contact: Karen Lipson, klipson@leadingageny.org