CMS Issues QSO on NHSN Respiratory Reporting Clarification
(Jan. 7, 2025) The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) issued memorandum QSO-25-11-NH on Dec. 31st to clarify that although there is no sub-regulatory guidance yet, nursing homes must proceed with requirements for reporting through the National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) on Jan. 1st as finalized in a November rule.
On Nov. 1, 2024, CMS released new acute respiratory illness reporting requirements. These new requirements replace the COVID-19 reporting standards at § 483.80(g). The new data elements that long-term care facilities are required to report are facility census; resident vaccination status for COVID-19, influenza, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV); confirmed resident cases of COVID-19, influenza, and RSV (overall and by vaccination status); and hospitalized residents with confirmed cases of COVID-19, influenza, and RSV (overall and by vaccination status).
Providers should continue this reporting on a weekly basis despite the lack of guidance until further notice from CMS. This reporting is likely to be included in forthcoming guidance. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) hosted a webinar describing the components titled "NHSN LTCF Component: Respiratory Pathogens Updates." Recordings of this webinar should be available here soon. More information on these requirements can be found here.
Contact: Carrie Mosley, cmosley@leadingageny.org, 518-867-8383 ext. 147