CMS released three guidance memos updating earlier COVID-19 requirements.

QSO-20-38-NH, revised on September 23, 2022, updates the CMS requirement originally released in August 2020 requiring COVID-19 testing for all staff and residents in Long-Term Care (LTC) facilities. The revised rule no longer recommends routine testing of asymptomatic staff, but such testing may be performed at the discretion of the facility. The guidance also includes updated recommendations for testing individuals who have recovered from COVID-19.

QSO-20-39-NH, revised on September 23, 2022, updates CMS nursing home visitation guidance that was originally released in September 2020. The revised guidance removed vaccination status as a consideration and updates guidance for face coverings and masks during visits.

QSO-21-08-NLTC, revised on September 26, 2022, rescinds the COVID-19 Focused Infection Control (FIC) Survey Tool originally published in December 2020, so surveyors will return to pre-COVID standard survey processes and regulatory requirements for Acute and Continuing Care (ACC) facilities.