Allegany County Ombudsman

11/16/2021

11/16/2021

New Visitation Guidelines!!!

Nursing homes should allow visitation for residents “at all times,” while state surveyors received steps on how to address a backlog of complaint and recertification surveys under two separate memos issued Friday by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

11/16/2021

https://www.cms.gov/files/document/qso-20-39-nh-revised.pdf

On November 12th, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) updated their Nursing Home Visitation Guidance. After a year and a half of residents and their loved ones being separated from each other and subject to confusing and often ignored visitation guidance, visitation is now allowed at all times for all residents, this includes indoor visitation. All visitors must continue to adhere to infection prevention practices.

Additional Key Points, include:
• Facilities can no longer limit frequency and length of visits, number of visitors, or require advanced scheduling of visits.
• Vaccinated and unvaccinated residents can have close contact, including touch. Visitors should be advised of the risks of physical contact with unvaccinated residents before the visit.
• Communal activities and dining may occur while adhering to core principles of COVID-19 infection prevention. The safest approach is for everyone, regardless of vaccination status to wear a mask while in communal areas.

10/28/2021

Learn more in our fact sheet:
https://theconsumervoice.org/uploads/files/long-term-care-recipient/5._6_Steps_to_Getting_Quality_Care_in_a_Nursing_Home.pdf

10/25/2021

We have a huge opportunity to get meaningful nursing home reforms passed into law! Currently, Congress is involved in the budget reconciliation process. The good news is that the House has proposed a bill that includes critical provisions that would increase protections for nursing home residents.

However, the Senate has not yet proposed a bill, and it is not clear that the nursing home provisions will be included. It is also not guaranteed that these provisions will remain in the House bill. Congress is currently in negotiations, and many provisions are on the chopping block. We are gravely concerned that these important nursing home provisions will not make it into the final reconciliation bill.

After the loss of over 186,000 residents of long-term care facilities to COVID-19 and the prolonged suffering of other residents, it would be a travesty to not have increased protections included into the reconciliation bill.

That’s why we urgently need your help!

Please complete this form to reach out to your Congressmembers and tell them to support these provisions: https://secure2.convio.net/tncv/site/Advocacy?pagename=homepage&page=UserAction&id=177

10/11/2021

produced by Weld County Area Agency on Aging. If you have questions or concerns contact your local Ombudsman, Kati Boswell.

301.268.5712

October is Residents' Right Month and Weld County's Area Agency on Aging wants to make sure residents in long-term care facility know, understand and exercis...