Infection Prevention News 2026Jan22

Kierstin Reed • January 22, 2026

COVID and Respiratory Infection Requirements

Following a December bulletin regarding the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ (CMS’) reinforcement of COVID guidelines, LeadingAge has received many questions from providers and state partners about how to navigate COVID outbreaks when discrepancies exist between state requirements and the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) recommendations. While some states may be advising nursing homes to follow state requirements and guidelines for resident isolation, testing, and healthcare personnel return-to-work, CMS maintains that nursing homes must continue to follow requirements at 42 CFR 483.80 that require an infection prevention and control program that is based on “accepted national standards.” LeadingAge has previously advocated to CDC and Health & Human Services Secretary Kennedy for updated guidelines. We have also requested CMS to issue policy revisions to allow nursing homes to follow state-level guidance until CDC guidance is updated, but no policy changes have been issued. LeadingAge has notified CMS that states continue to provide advice that conflicts with CMS requirements. At this time, we recommend nursing homes continue to follow CDC guidelines while encouraging your state survey agency to reach out to CMS for clarification.

By Kierstin Reed August 20, 2026
Senators Challenge CMS Voting Guidance for Nursing Homes.
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There are no new Assisted Living updates to share this week. Please check back next week for the latest news and information. Here is your Life Plan Community Weekly Recap .
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COVID “Up to Date” Definition Will Not Change
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Home Care Network: Tuesday August 18th at 2 EST
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UPDATE: Proposed Rule Rolling Back Community Reinvestment Act Obligations Published. As we reported last week, a multi-agency proposed rule seeks to roll back the Community Reinvestment Act and could weaken investment in affordable housing and community development. This proposed rule has now been published in the Federal Register on August 12 kicking off a 60-day comment period that will end on October 13, 2026. The full article can be read here .
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LeadingAge Webinar on Tenant Compliance Must-Dos for Affordable Senior Housing, August 19, 2-3:15 p.m. ET. Join the LeadingAge housing community for a webinar by compliance expert Jenny DeSilva, who will review unique rules and requirements for HUD-assisted senior housing communities. Participants will receive practical guidance to stay prepared for HUD oversight while supporting older adults as they age in community. Register here . Affordable housing Weekly Recap . Here is your weekly Affordable Housing Weekly Recap
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CMS Releases Home Health Agency PEPPER Reports
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