COVID-19 Update #296
HFAM Update: Mandatory Vaccinations for Nursing Home and Hospital Staff

Governor Hogan just recently ended a press conference where it was announced that hospital and nursing home staff are now required to become vaccinated – they must show proof of their first dose by September 1.


  • Hospitals and nursing homes staff are required to show proof of first/single dose COVID-19 vaccination by Wednesday, Sept. 1. (page 4)
  • Each facility shall develop own procedures to handle compliance with a minimum of once a week testing and PPE.
  • Each facility shall develop a process for reasonable accommodation of medical/religious reasons.
  • Added penalties section.


  • Nursing homes are encouraged to request that visitors show vaccination and adopt visitation policies allowing fully vaccinated visitors. 
  • Added penalties section.
Please see this HFAM statement and this HFAM fact sheet for additional information and context. We will be continuing discussions with the Maryland Department of Health regarding next steps and will keep you informed.   

Vaccine Mandate From Biden Administration   

CMS contacted AHCA/NCAL this afternoon and media are reporting that the Biden Administration will require nursing homes to mandate staff vaccination in order to continue receiving Medicare and Medicaid funding. The Administration has not yet released any more details about this requirement. We expect to learn more later today and will share information with providers as soon as possible. 

AHCA/NCAL has scheduled a free webinar for Thursday, August 19 at 3 PM Eastern regarding best practices for vaccine mandates. Join AHCA/NCAL's President & CEO Mark Parkinson and Chief Medical Officer Dr. David Gifford as they speak with three large, long term care organizations about their experiences with implementing COVID-19 vaccination mandates for staff.

Plus, click here for the AHCA/NCAL statement on the administration's plan for COVID-19 booster shots.

 As Always:
 
  • Focus on what is in your control and not what is out of your control.
  • Overcommunicate.
  • Adapt and innovate.
  • Rely on your partnerships.
  • Speak up when you need help.
  • Double efforts on infectious disease protocols, training, and operations.
  • Take and document your action; keep a timeline.
  • CLICK HERE for the Dr. Katz Video, and please see the Donning and Doffing Checklist we have been sharing.
 
Onward together!
Joe DeMattos
President and CEO
Nursing Home Media Toolkit

Check out the new Nursing Home Media Toolkit from the Maryland Department of Health. The password to access the materials is Vaccine2021.

Please use the materials in this media toolkit to spread the word about vaccination with staff.

You'll find flyers, ads, social media posts, videos, and posters. 
The 2021 HFAM Conference “Together We Re-Imagine” will be held in person October 4 – 7, 2021 at the Maryland Live Hotel and Casino in Hanover, Maryland. Hundreds of long-term care leaders will connect, share best practices and discuss actionable insights on how we can reflect, reform, rebuild, and revolutionize quality care. You and your teams will not want to miss this opportunity as we come together again.

Safety is our top priority. Please note that proof of vaccination will be required for attendance.

Visit the conference website to learn more and register.
Thank you to our current sponsors!
Plus, Visit our Sponsors and Supporters in the
Brand New "Solutions Lounge"
#Get Vaccinated
With support from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the AHCA/NCAL Get Vaccinated campaign now has a dedicated website –getvaccinated.us – to help educate and encourage caregivers and staff at long-term care facilities to get the COVID-19 vaccine.

The website includes credible information from medical professionals, public health officials, and scientists to help answer common questions about the vaccines among staff members and other individuals.
Did you miss an update?

Visit our website to view all previous HFAM alerts, as well as guidance
from our federal and state partners.
Health Facilities Association of Maryland WW.HFAM.ORG