The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) addressed the recent incorporation of Enhanced Barrier Precautions (EBP) into the nursing home Requirements of Participation on the April 2 Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Open Door Forum, but ultimately deferred many issues back to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), who developed the standard that was adopted by CMS on March 21. Participants on the call expressed concern over the psychosocial impact these precautions would have on residents.

LeadingAge has highlighted these concerns with both CMS and CDC multiple times since CDC first recommended EBP for nursing homes in 2022. CMS reminded providers that they have merely adopted the standard and any questions about evidence for indications and impact should be directed to CDC. Some of these questions are addressed by the CDC in this slide deck.