Yesterday, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced several actions aimed at limiting the spread of COVID-19. Specifically, CMS is issuing a call to action to health care providers across the country to ensure they are implementing their infection control procedures, which they are required to maintain at all times. Additionally, CMS announced that, effective immediately and, until further notice, State Survey Agencies and Accrediting Organizations will focus their facility inspections exclusively on issues related to infection control and other serious health and safety threats, like allegations of abuse – beginning with nursing homes and hospitals. This shift in approach will allow inspectors to focus their energies on addressing the spread of COVID-19.

The California Medical Association (CMA) will be closely monitoring this situation. CMA has also set up a COVID-19 resource page, where you will find links to the latest news, research and developments on the COVID-19 outbreak for physicians and other health care providers.