AHCA Offers Support for a Vaccine Mandate in SNFs

As COVID-19 cases increase across the nation with the spreading Delta variant, vaccine mandates are up for consideration. McKnight’s reports that the largest nursing home association is offering its support to operators that mandate the vaccine.

The American Health Care Association (AHCA) is willing to help skilled nursing facilities by offering guidance and tips on how to implement a mandate. Additionally, they are offering support for operators who make vaccinations mandatory for employment.

These mandates would offer exemptions for those who cannot receive the vaccine due to medical reasons. Operators are also recommended to offer accommodations to employees who are willing to receive the vaccine. This includes offering the flexibility and time for them to not only receive it but also time to recover from any side effects.

AHCA formally stated its support for “all providers that adopt mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policies for healthcare personnel, with state and local regulations and circumstances shaping whether and how these policies are implemented.”

LeadingAge and 50 other organizations have also voiced their support for SNFs to mandate vaccinations for all healthcare employees. They “strongly urge” for nursing home staff to get vaccinated.

One disadvantage of a vaccine mandate is the possibility of further exasperating staffing challenges operators are currently facing.

Nevertheless, vaccines do offer protection against the disease and would also help decrease its spread to residents and co-workers.

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