Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) addressed the recent incorporation of Enhanced Barrier Precautions (EBP) into the nursing home Requirements of Participation on the April 2 Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Open Door Forum, but ultimately deferred many issues back to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), who developed the standard that was adopted by CMS on March 21. Participants on the call expressed concern over the psychosocial impact these precautions would have on residents.

LeadingAge has highlighted these concerns with both CMS and CDC multiple times since CDC first recommended EBP for nursing homes in 2022. CMS reminded providers that they have merely adopted the standard and any questions about evidence for indications and impact should be directed to CDC. LeadingAge notes that some of these questions are addressed through this slide deck shared by CDC. 

Previous articleNew Rule Clarifies Employee Representation During OSHA Inspections  
Next articleOIG Identifies Issues with Nursing Home-initiated Discharges 
Kylee Childs, MSW, is the Director of Government Affairs.Since joining the association in 2023, she continues to be a fierce and resourceful advocate for aging services in Kansas. Her professional focus has always been service to others through advocacy. Kylee has a master’s degree in social work from the University of Missouri-Columbia, a bachelor's degree in criminology with a minor in Conflict Analysis and Trauma studies from Kansas State University, and a certificate in Grant Proposal Writing from Fort Hays State University. With a professional background in law enforcement and child welfare, and a successful 2023 legislative practicum with the Children's Alliance of Kansas, she brings rich professional experience to her role as Director of Government Affairs, and a front-line perspective on the needs of health and human services providers in our state. When not working, she's spending time with her two daughters. You can reach Kylee directly at 785.670.8051.