Charlie Brereton Director at Montana Department of Public Health | LinkedIn
Charlie Brereton Director at Montana Department of Public Health | LinkedIn
The Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) has released guidance for health care facilities and providers in Montana regarding the COVID-19 vaccine mandate from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). This federal mandate, announced on November 5, 2021, requires Medicare and Medicaid-certified facilities to implement a policy ensuring all covered staff are vaccinated. Exceptions are allowed for those with pending or granted exemptions or when vaccination should be delayed based on Centers for Disease Control guidance.
Facilities must ensure that covered staff receive the first dose of a two-dose COVID-19 vaccine or a one-dose vaccine within 30 days of January 14, 2022. Full vaccination is required within 60 days. The mandate also includes provisions for exemptions due to disability, religious beliefs, observance or practice, and medical reasons. Facilities are required to have a process in place to allow such exemptions.
DPHHS advises covered health care facilities and providers to consider adopting its religious exemption form. The guidance outlines which health care provider and supplier types, as well as staff members, fall under the mandate's coverage. It also specifies facility types and staff not subject to the mandate.
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