The Biden administration published two rules Nov. 5, mandating COVID-19 vaccination in the workplace, including in certain healthcare settings. A Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Interim Final Rule (IFR) mandates that healthcare workers at hospitals, ambulatory surgical centers, dialysis facilities, home health agencies and long-term care facilities that participate in Medicare and Medicaid be fully vaccinated by Jan. 4.
A U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS) mandates that employers with 100 or more employees ensure each of their workers is fully vaccinated or is tested for COVID-19 on at least a weekly basis by Jan. 4. The ETS also requires employers to ensure that unvaccinated staff wear a face mask in the workplace and to provide paid time off for employees to get vaccinated.
A White House Fact Sheet provides additional information on the OSHA and CMS requirements. Resources to help employers implement the ETS are on the OSHA website. FAQs detailing the CMS IRF are also available.
If you have questions or would like more information, contact Gloria Romanelli, Senior Director, Legislative and Regulatory Relations.