CDC Rolls Out Mask and Screening Requirements for COVID-19

If you are an ICF/IID provider in Texas and most likely anywhere in the United States, you may have already been notified of the new CMS guidelines.  CMS has now issued fairly strict guidelines for ICF/IID programs regarding the COVID-19 mask requirements and the screening of anyone entering a facility.

Many providers in Texas received emails this afternoon indicating the new requirements were in place.  Here is a brief summary:

1.  ICF staff must wear a mask while on duty in the facility.  Failure in Texas according to HHSC to comply will result in deficient practice as an Infection Control deficiency.

2. ICFs must screen all visitors and staff for signs of COVID-19.  This screening must include surveyors, consultants, staff, owners, family, or anyone entering the facility. 

3.  Failure to screen, according to CMS, will result in an Immediate Jeopardy (IJ) deficient practice deficiency. 

ICF/IID programs should take away several things from these notifications and assume potential visits are pending.  With the new requirements, a facility that has been visited in the past may be visited again very soon.   The facility should immediately ensure masks are available and being used by all staff.  Screening must be done for potential COVID-19 issues.  The final thing to take away from this is the seriousness that HHSC and CMS have placed on the issue.  For the state to indicate that failure to screen will mean an immediate IJ, shows just how serious of a threat we are facing.  One program manager reminded facilities that over 9,000 long term care residents have died due to COVID-19.