COVID screening process still required by CMS; Pre-Op testing not required

Posted on: 4/2/21

The surveyors at the Oklahoma State Department of Health have resumed in-person hospital surveys this week. 

Please note that CMS implemented the “COVID-19 Focused Infection Control Survey” during this past year. It is still in effect and can be found here.

Note that hospitals are to have policies in place for how they manage visitors. While restriction of visitors is suggested, whether a hospital restricts visitors or not is up to the hospital, according to what is safe for patients. However, screening practices for visitors and employees must still be in place. 

Another frequently asked question is about testing all patients for COVID as a pre-operative or pre-procedural process. This was an executive order from the governor, not a CMS guideline. That executive order has expired. Therefore, the testing process is up to each facility according to the risks and safety of the patient and staff. (LaWanna Halstead)