Interim Final Rule - COVID-19 Vaccine Immunization Requirements for Clients and Staff in Intermediate Care Facilities for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities (ICFs/IID)

Memorandum Summary • CMS is committed to taking critical steps to ensure America’s healthcare facilities continue to respond effectively to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Public Health Emergency (PHE). • On May 11, 2021, CMS published an interim final rule with comment period (IFC). This rule establishes Long-Term Care (LTC) Facility Vaccine Immunization Requirements for Residents and Staff. This includes new requirements for educating clients or client representatives and staff regarding the benefits and potential side effects associated with the COVID-19 vaccine, and offering the vaccine. Furthermore, ICFs/IID are encouraged to report COVID-19 vaccine and therapeutics treatment information to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN).