MDR Monthly Newsletter — December 2021
CMS Vaccine Mandate Stayed by Federal Courts
Preliminary injunctions issued by two federal district courts have temporarily stayed the enforcement of the vaccine mandate issued by the Centers of Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). In addition, CMS stated that it is suspending any actions related to the implementation of the vaccine mandate and its enforcement. One of the court orders, issued by the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri, blocks the mandate from being implemented across 10 states listed in the lawsuit that was filed. The other court order, issued by the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Louisiana, would block the mandate nationwide. Click here for additional information regarding the stays issued by the two federal courts.
The Biden Administration sought to challenge the two court orders through the U.S. Court of Appeals. The 8th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled against the Biden Administration’s challenge of the Missouri court order. However, the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals is considering the Biden Administration’s challenge to the Louisiana court order, which has national implications. Click here for additional details regarding the appeals.
Nursing Facilities Try to Plan While Mandate Looms
Nursing facilities are working towards establishing plans and guidelines to ensure compliance as they wait for legal challenges to the CMS vaccine mandate to be addressed. Some facilities are pushing forward with getting staff vaccinated or providing exemptions. Others are pausing any rollouts as the injunctions remain in place. Click here for more as reported by Skilled Nursing News.
AHCA/NCAL Releases Statement About Build Back Better Bill
The American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL) highlighted several concerns about the Senate Finance Committee’s recent draft of the Build Back Better Act. Concerns shared by AHCA/NCAL, which represents over 14,000 nursing homes and long-term care facilities, revolved around unfunded staffing mandates and Medicaid cuts found in the draft bill. In their press release, AHCA/NCAL highlighted the need to fully fund the long term care sector and focus on enhancing the quality of care. Click here for the AHCA/NCAL press release and additional details.
Medicaid Done Right Community Organization Spotlight
At Medicaid Done Right, our team member of the month selects a community organization to receive a donation from our company on their behalf. This Spotlight showcases these organizations and the wonderful impact they have on their community.
This month’s spotlight goes to Urban Mission. This organizations works with partnering community organizations to provide basic human needs for community members in Jefferson County, NY. Click here to learn more about Urban Mission and the different programs they offer.
