The Joint Commission has approved its new Infection Prevention and Control (IC) Standard IC.02.04.02 and its elements of performance (EPs) in response to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ (CMS) interim final rule regarding COVID-19 vaccinations for healthcare staff, according to a news release.
The new standard takes effect July 1, 2022, for the following deemed programs:
- Hospitals
- Critical access hospitals
- Ambulatory surgery centers
- Home health agencies
- Home infusion therapy facilities
- Hospices
On Jan. 27, The Joint Commission began surveying to the “Omnibus COVID-19 Healthcare Staff Vaccination” interim final rule published by CMS in the November 5, 2021 Federal Register. While changes to Joint Commission standards requirements were under review by CMS, findings related to the COVID-19 staff vaccination regulatory requirements have been scored at Leadership (LD) Standard LD.04.01.01, EP 2, along with the applicable Medicare Conditions of Participation/Conditions for Coverage for each of the deemed programs. This scoring process will continue until June 30, 2022.
