CMS Immunization Rule Will Bolster Nursing Home Protections Against Flu
[Posted 10/13/05]

Effective October 7, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is requiring nursing homes to provide all residents with influenza and pneumococcal vaccine. Residents may refuse vaccinations or be exempted for medical reasons.

The new CMS rule, in tandem with California’s new “standing orders” law (AB 1711), is expected to provide an even greater level of protection to California’s nursing home residents.

In issuing the rule, CMS noted that people age 65 and older account for 90 percent of the influenza deaths in the United States and that nursing home residents are particularly vulnerable. CMS also cited a 1999 national nursing home survey showing that just 65 percent of residents had flu shots and only 38 percent had received inoculations against bacterial pneumonia. CMS wants to attain a 90 percent rate for both vaccinations. The rule requires that vaccinations be offered in order for nursing homes to receive Medicaid or Medicare funding.

California’s standing orders law, which was sponsored by CMA and takes effect January 1, furthers CMS’s goal by allowing nurses and pharmacists to deliver immunizations to all patients over age 50 based on a physician-established, facility-wide protocol so that doctors do not have to issue orders for each patient.

Contact: Robin Flagg, 415/882-5110 or rflagg@cmanet.org.