Update - Nursing Home Testing
Good morning,

I have reached out and inquired concerning the continued need for EMS testing before entering a nursing facility for non-emergency transports. The response that I have received, and passing directly to you as a provider is that, according to CMS, if the individual has been "fully vaccinated" (see definitions below) then the individual would no longer need to have serial testing completed before entry into a facility, however daily screening should still be conducted. "Unvaccinated" individuals should continue to be tested as normal.

This guidance is referenced in the CMS Document QSO-20-38-NH

DEFINITIONS
“Fully vaccinated” refers to a person who is ≥2 weeks following receipt of the second dose in a 2-dose series, or ≥2 weeks following receipt of one dose of a single-dose vaccine.
“Unvaccinated” refers to a person who does not fit the definition of “fully vaccinated,” including people whose vaccination status is not known, for the purposes of this guidance.

This information is being provided to you as a licensed provider in the state of Alabama. The Office of EMS is neither the author nor custodian of the above referenced CMS document and therefore cannot provide any further interpretations as to its content.

Mr. Jamie Gray, BS, AAS, NRP
State EMS Director
Alabama Department of Public Health
Office of Emergency Medical Services
The Administrative Annex
208 Legends Court Prattville, AL 36066
P.O. Box 303017
Montgomery, AL 36130
Office: 334-290-3088
Fax: 334-206-0364
Email: jamie.gray@adph.state.al.us