INFLUENZA AND PNEUMONIA VACCINATION SURVEY GUIDANCE 12/1/02

VHCA

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has indefinitely postponed the release and implementation of new survey guidance that addresses influenza and pneumonia vaccinations.  This guidance is for F tags 281, services must meet professional standards of care, and 441, infection control.  CMS is likely to include assessment of a patients immunization status on the next MDS 3.0, but for now, the agency encourages facilities to provide the immunizations.

According to AHCA, the CMS August 16, 2002 webcast and satellite training session on the importance of immunization, Standards of Care & Strategies for Immunizing Nursing Home Residents, will be accessible until August 2003.  The training was designed for administrators, medical directors, nurses, physicians and others who are involved in giving immunizations or setting policy for nursing homes, as well as CMS regional office and state agency surveyors.  The broadcast discussed the burden of influenza and pneumococcal disease, missed opportunities to vaccinate, evidence-based standards of practice, how standing orders can be used to improve coverage rates, upcoming regulatory changes to help increase vaccination rates among nursing home residents and reimbursement payment issues.  To review the webcast, go to the CMS website at http://cms.internetstreaming.com.