The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has released an updated version of the Nursing Home Visitation Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).

The updates provide important clarifications, such as:

• Suggestions on how to conduct visits that reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission.
• Best practices for improving air quality to reduce risks during visitation.
• Ways a facility can improve and/or manage air flow during visitation.
• Availability of funding for environmental changes, which reduce the transmission of COVID-19. Facilities can request CMP reinvestment funds to purchase portable fans and portable room air cleaners with HEPA filters.
  • WHCA/WiCAL reached out to DHS to see what the process will be for this new CMP funding opportunity. DHS has informed WHCA/WiCAL that CMS is developing a new application template that will be similar to the visitation aid template. DQA will send the information out in a GOV-D message, and WHCA/WiCAL will also share the information with members when available.
  • UPDATE as of 2/10/22: DHS is still awaiting additional instruction from CMS, including application materials. DHS has indicated that nursing facilities will be able to request up to $3,000 in CMP grant funds, including shipping costs, for portable fans and portable room air cleaners with high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA, H-13 or – 14) filters to increase or improve air quality. 
• Visitor testing as a condition of entering a facility.