Biden announces vaccination requirement for many health care workers

President Biden this week announced six new mitigation steps for combatting the COVID-19 pandemic, including a series of vaccine mandates for certain workers nationwide. Included among vaccine mandates is a requirement of COVID-19 vaccinations for workers in most health care settings that receive Medicare or Medicaid reimbursement, including hospitals, dialysis facilities, ambulatory surgical settings and home health agencies. This policy will apply to staff in nursing homes and hospitals and other settings regulated by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. The requirement includes clinical staff, individuals providing services under arrangements, volunteers and staff who are not involved in direct patient, resident or client care. In addition, the Biden administration plan would establish a new Emergency Temporary Standard from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration requiring most employers with 100 or more employees to mandate vaccination or implement weekly testing. (AHA News article, 9/9/21)