The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued emergency regulations requiring COVID-19 vaccination for healthcare workers—with requirements set to go into effect today, Nov. 5, 2021. This mandatory vaccination requirement applies to eligible staff at healthcare facilities that participate in Medicare and Medicaid and are regulated by the CMS Conditions of Participation. Hospitals, in addition to ambulatory surgery centers, critical access hospitals, home health and hospice agencies, are among the list of those facilities that will be expected to meet the new mandatory COVID-19 vaccination requirements as of Jan. 4, 2022. Excluded from the requirements are assisted living facilities, group homes and physician’s offices. More.