Physicians are reminded of the new CMS policy pertaining to
physician-approved protocols (standing orders) for influenza and pneumonia
vaccinations. CMS has altered the guidance to states and regions. For
long-term care facilities, physicians must sign and date all orders with the exception of
influenza and pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccines, which may be administered per
physician-approved facility policy after an assessment for contraindications. For
home health agencies, drugs and treatments are administered by agency staff only as
ordered by the physician with the exception of influenza and pneumococcal polysaccharide
vaccines, which may be administered per agency policy developed in consultation with a
physician and after an assessment for contraindications. For hospitals, all orders
for drugs and biologicals must be in writing and signed by the practitioner or
practitioners responsible for the care of the patient as specified under §482.12(c) with
the exception of influenza and pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccines, which may be
administered per physician approved hospital policy after an assessment for
contraindications.
To view the complete memo from CMS regarding these changes visit
the CMS Web sit at, http://cms.hhs.gov/medicaid/ltcsp/sc0302.pdf
.
You may also view these additional sites for more information: http://www.medqic.org/nursinghomes/clinresource/imm_nh_residents.shtml
www.nationalpneumonia.org/links/cms/fedreg100202.html.