Clarification from CMS re: Outdoor Visitation

Clarification from CMS re: Outdoor Visitation

From Marnie Mountjoy, DAIL: On a call with state survey agencies last Monday afternoon, CMS clarified that outdoor visits during outbreak testing/status are permitted according to QSO memo 20-39-NH. They also stressed CMS has never (intended to) restrict outside visitation, as long as it is conducted safely, following infection control parameters, CDC guidelines, etc. and that this should be “done at all times.”

• Facilities may conduct outdoor visits as long as they carefully consider how to do so safely during the outbreak status, and identify necessary measures to accommodate the visits (if the facility chooses to allow them).
• If there is a large outbreak, facilities may limit the number of visits allowed.
• Visitors do not need to be (but can be) tested...CMS cannot mandate this.

CMS also said it is allowing CMP grant monies for a sturdier/more solid type of outside structure versus a tent; amount remains $3,000/site.