Long-Term Care facilities (LTCs) have been authorized to administer single-dose Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccines to all residents. The announcement was made on December 15, 2022, by the Biden Administration as part of their “winter playbook” plan.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a directive on December 16, 2022, which states that only LTCs which are not already enrolled as full providers in the CDC COVID-19 Vaccination Program are eligible for the new measure. It says that the Sub-Provider Agreement is interim and valid through March 15, 2023, unless extended by the CDC.
Facilities that want to take advantage of the new regulation must partner with a pharmacy enrolled as a COVID-19 Vaccine Provider. The Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine for people 12 years of age and older in single-dose vials is the ONLY vaccine product/ presentation available in this program.
LTC facilities enrolling in the new measure must ensure that they:
- adhere to the requirements as specified in the already existing COVID-19 Vaccine Sub-Provider Agreement,
- be aware of any state-specific requirements, e.g., training or data reporting requirements, and
- assign a staff member(s) to lead the program.
All staff who receive, handle, manage, prepare, or administer the vaccine must be fully trained on storage, handling, preparation, and administration requirements for COVID-19 vaccines, including specifics on storage and the disposal of unused vaccines.
COVID-19 vaccines must also be administered regardless of an individual’s ability to pay and regardless of their insurance coverage status. Facilities may seek appropriate reimbursement from a program or insurer that covers COVID-19 vaccine administration fees for the vaccine recipient, but not from a recipient or their family.
Access the White House briefing here, and the CDC directive here.
Compliance Perspective
Issue
Healthcare facilities must remain vigilant against the spread of COVID-19 and other infections. Nursing homes often serve residents at great risk of severe illness and death from COVID-19, and congregate care settings have an increased risk of spread of respiratory infections. A critical strategy that can be taken to help decrease the spread of COVID-19 is the COVID-19 vaccination, along with other CDC recommendations to help reduce the transmission of the virus.
Discussion Points
- Review your policies and procedures on infection control and COVID-19 vaccination. Ensure that they are updated with the latest CDC guidance.
- Train all staff on your Infection Control Plan and your COVID-19 policies for vaccination and prevention of the spread of the virus. Train appropriate staff on administration of the COVID-19 vaccine. Place training documentation in each employee’s education file.
- Audit to ensure that staff are following the CDC COVID-19 vaccination guidance. Also audit vaccine consent and administration rates.
*This news alert has been prepared by Med-Net Concepts, LLC for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide legal advice.*
