In accordance with the requirements released by Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) on November 4, 2021, all Abbeville General employees, licensed independent practitioners, students, trainees, volunteers, and contracted staff will be required to receive the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine by December 5, 2021. CMS requires COVID-19 vaccinations for all staff working at a facility that participate in Medicare and Medicaid programs, regardless of clinical responsibility or patient contact to be fully vaccinated by January 4, 2022. It should be noted that 74% of the hospitals revenue or approximately $40 million comes from Medicare and Medicaid, and such revenue would be withheld for not complying with the mandate.
Noncompliance with the CMS requirement can lead to termination of employment. As of today, 80% of Abbeville General employees are fully vaccinated.
There are two exemptions to the CMS mandate:
- Medical exemption
- Sincerely held religious belief
A temporary delay can be requested due to clinical precautions and considerations recommended by the CDC including, but not limited to, individuals with acute illness secondary to COVID-19, and individuals who received monoclonal antibodies or convalescent plasma for COVID-19 treatment. Employees requesting a temporary delay in vaccination must contact Michelle Glatter, Infection Control Coordinator at 337-898- 6242.
Religious exemptions are available in the Human Resources Department. Request forms for medical exemptions are available in the Infection Control Department. The forms must be submitted no later than December 1, 2021 to allow time for Administration and Medical Review prior to approval. If exemptions are granted, employees who are not vaccinated will be required to wear an approved hospital grade mask at all times until deemed no longer necessary. Healthcare Worker Policy is available on the M drive under Infection Control Policy and Procedures/Employee Health.