Public Policy Updates

With the end of the public health emergency (PHE), CMS is adjusting its approach to COVID-19 prevention to align with that of other infectious diseases such as influenza. To that end, CMS published a final rule June 5 revising three interim final rules issued during the PHE relating to COVID-19 vaccination and testing. The revised … Continued

The CDC issued a Health Alert Network (HAN) Health Update to provide additional information on the outbreak of fungal meningitis among patients who underwent procedures under epidural anesthesia in Matamoros, Tamaulipas, Mexico. As of June 1, 2023, a multistate outbreak is ongoing among patients who underwent procedures under epidural anesthesia at two clinics: River Side … Continued

The CDC issued a Health Alert Network (HAN) Health Advisory about an outbreak of suspected fungal meningitis among U.S. patients hospitalized in Texas after undergoing cosmetic procedures under epidural anesthesia in the city of Matamoros, state of Tamaulipas, Mexico. As of May 12, five patients have been hospitalized and one has died. Healthcare providers and the … Continued

Effective immediately, NIOSH revoked approval for eight filtering facepiece respirators (FFRs) and four powered air-purifying respirators (PAPRs) that received temporary approval during the COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE) to address respirator supply shortages. These approvals were limited to the PHE and intended to be revoked when the PHE ended. The PHE-approved respirators, identifiable by the … Continued

The CDC issued a Health Alert Network (HAN) Health Update to remind clinicians of ongoing community transmission of mpox (formerly known as Monkeypox). Although cases have declined since peaking in August 2022, CDC is currently investigating a cluster of mpox cases in the Chicago area. The purpose of this HAN update is to inform clinicians … Continued

CDC’s Project Firstline will host a town hall with SHEA and AMA to review post-PHE updates to infection prevention and control COVID-19 recommendations and the infection control actions that continue to be effective at stopping the spread of respiratory viruses in healthcare. This town hall will also feature a panel of healthcare professionals that will … Continued

Updated May 8, 2023 — As of May 11, CDC will no longer receive data needed to publish Community Transmission levels for SARS-CoV-2. This metric informed CDC’s recommendations for broader use of source control in healthcare facilities to allow for earlier intervention, to avoid strain on a healthcare system, and to better protect individuals seeking … Continued

Following FDA regulatory action, CDC is updating and simplifying COVID-19 vaccine recommendations. New recommendations include: CDC will sponsor a Clinician Outreach and Communications Activity (COCA) webinar to review the updated recommendations on Thursday, May 11 at 2:00 – 3:00 pm ET. Click here for more information and to access the call.

The Biden Administration announced that federal COVID-19 vaccination requirements will end on May 11 with the end of the COVID-19 public health emergency. This announcement applies to federal employees and contractors. In addition, HHS will begin the process of ending COVID vaccination requirements for healthcare personnel (HCP) working in CMS-certified healthcare facilities. Read the White … Continued