Medicare Rule Change, Sets New Immunization Standards

[NRSKarenRN, BSN, RN]

A Federal rule revision will help facilitate delivery of influenza and pneumococcal vaccinations in hospitals, home health agencies, and nursing homes serving Medicare or Medicaid patients.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) removed its requirement from the Conditions of Participation that a physician must write an individual order for each influenza and pneumococcal polysacchride vaccination given in hospital and long term care settings and by home health agencies. The Federal rule, 42 CFR Parts 482, 483, and 484, went into effect October 2. Where allowed by state law, appropriate non-physician personnel can now provide these vaccinations under a facility-approved standing order protocol.

Further info:

http://www.cms.gov/providerupdate/regsum.asp#3160FC

[P_RN, ADN, RN]

I got mine on Thursday. Grey hair does get you places......two sore arms! Pneumovax in left, Td and flu in right arm. Apparently asthma and history of pneumonia with asthma qualified me.It's not usually given until after age 65. I will need a booster in 5-7 years.