Updated CMS Guidance on Nursing Home Visitation During COVID-19
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has issued revised guidance for nursing home visitation, easing restrictions while maintaining safety. Now, visits are allowed for reasons beyond urgent end-of-life situations, and in some cases, physical contact is permitted. Communal activities and dining can resume as long as social distancing of six feet and other precautions are strictly followed. Outdoor visits are encouraged when weather permits, and indoor visits are allowed if no new COVID-19 cases have been reported in the last two weeks, with adherence to testing, screening, hygiene, social distancing, and cleaning protocols.
Core Principles of COVID-19 Infection Prevention by CMS:
- Screening all visitors and staff for COVID-19 symptoms, with denial of entry to anyone showing signs.
- Practicing frequent hand hygiene, preferably with alcohol-based hand rubs.
- Wearing face coverings or masks covering the mouth and nose.
- Maintaining social distancing of at least six feet.
- Posting instructional signage and educating visitors on infection control measures.
- Regular cleaning and disinfecting of high-touch surfaces and visitation areas after each visit.
- Proper use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) by staff.
- Cohorting residents, including dedicated COVID-19 care areas.
- Conducting resident and staff testing as required.
CMS recognizes that prolonged visitor restrictions have negatively affected nursing home residents’ well-being. CMS Administrator Seema Verma states, “While protecting residents from COVID-19 remains critical, prolonged isolation is also causing serious harm.”
Enhanced Support for Safe Visitation
To facilitate safer visits, CMS is providing Civil Monetary Penalty (CMP) funds to nursing homes. These funds can be used to purchase outdoor tents, plexiglass dividers, tablets, webcams, and other tools to enable safe indoor and virtual visits. Each facility is capped at $3,000 to ensure equitable distribution.
Expanded Compassionate Care Visits
Compassionate care visits now extend beyond end-of-life situations. Examples include:
- Residents adjusting to recent admission from home, missing family support.
- Residents grieving the loss of a loved one.
- Residents needing help with eating or drinking and experiencing weight loss or dehydration.
- Residents showing signs of emotional distress, withdrawal, or increased crying.
Visits can also include clergy or spiritual counselors providing support. Physical contact during these visits is allowed but must follow strict infection prevention protocols.
Facilities are encouraged to collaborate with residents, families, and caregivers to identify individuals in need of compassionate visits. Visits may be restricted only if there are recent COVID-19 cases in the facility or high local infection rates.
Failure to comply with CMS visitation guidance may result in citations or penalties.
The Importance of Visitation for Nursing Home Residents
CMS emphasizes that social, emotional, and spiritual connections through visits are essential to the health and resilience of nursing home residents—especially during challenging times. No senior should face isolation alone.
If you have a loved one in a nursing home, check with the facility about their updated visitation policies, as implementation may vary.
If you have questions about nursing home care, how to choose the right facility, or legal strategies to protect your savings and home, please contact Aging in Maine. We’re here to help. Call (207) 848-5600
