On November 5, 2021, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) published an interim final rule related to COVID-19 vaccination requirements for most US healthcare facilities. Eastland Memorial Hospital District (EMHD) participates in the CMS program and serves patients that receive Medicare and Medicaid benefits. As a CMS participant, Eastland Memorial Hospital and its affiliates are required to comply with the new COVID-19 vaccine requirements for healthcare facilities.
In response to the COVID-19 vaccine mandate, EMHD is implementing policies and procedures to comply with the new requirements. As required by the law, exemption requests brought forth by individuals are under consideration. EMHD strives to protect the health and safety of our patients, employees, and community from COVID-19 and will comply with CMS requirements.
If EMHD does not comply with the rule, the organization would no longer meet the required CMS conditions of participation and could face fines, penalties, Medicare and Medicaid payment denials, termination of contracts, and the possible loss of CMS certification. Compliance with the CMS COVID-19 vaccination rule is required for the Hospital to avoid serious consequences and continue to provide quality care to our patients and our community. As a result, EMHD is implementing a policy requiring vaccination for all staff unless an approved exception is granted under the terms of the rule.