The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has issued several memos updating guidance on the May 11 end of the COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE).
The guidance includes:
- Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments of 1988 (CLIA) Post-PHE Guidance: CMS only has authority to require reporting of SARS-CoV-2 test results until the end of the federal PHE declaration. As a result, the CLIA requirement for laboratories to report SARS-CoV-2 test results will expire with the termination of the PHE. CMS also clarifies the post-PHE status of the temporary exercise of enforcement discretion and other flexibilities CMS utilized during the COVID-19 PHE.
- Expiration of Long-Term Care Facility Testing Requirements: Routine testing of asymptomatic staff is no longer recommended but may be performed at the discretion of the facility. CMS provides updated recommendations for testing individuals who have recovered from COVID-19.
- Revised Nursing Home Visitation Guidance- COVID-19: CMS updates guidance to align with the end of the PHE.