The federal and State COVID-19 vaccination mandates apply to volunteers, if the volunteers could potentially expose patients/residents or staff to the virus. The federal mandate specifies that board members are covered by the mandate, unless they have no contact with patients or staff. The State mandate does not explicitly reference board members.

CMS mandate allowed to proceed nationwide; OSHA ETS blocked.

Members should note that the State vaccine mandate will remain in place.

The guidance provides details on documentation and additional precautions pertaining to personnel with exemptions, sets forth a phased approach to enforcement, and describes how surveyors will determine the level of any deficiencies found.