Updated: 2/25/2021

AFTER MANY ISOLATING MONTHS, THE TENNESSEE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH ANNOUNCED STATE-SPECIFIC VISITATION RESTRICTIONS FOR LONG-TERM CARE FACILITIES WILL END EFFECTIVE FEBRUARY 28, 2021. THE STATE INDICATED THAT FACILITIES SHOULD CONTINUE USING THE CENTERS FOR MEDICARE AND MEDICAID SERVICES GUIDANCE FOR SAFE OPERATION AND VISITATION - BUT THE STATE IS LIFTING ITS VISITATION RESTRICTIONS. PER THE CENTERS FOR MEDICARE AND MEDICAID SERVICES GUIDANCE - NURSING HOMES MAY ALLOW INDOOR VISITATION WHEN THERE HAS BEEN NO NEW ONSET OF COVID-19 CASES IN THE LAST 14 DAYS AND THE FACILITY IS NOT CURRENTLY CONDUCTING OUTBREAK TESTING. GUIDELINES MAY VARY REGIONALLY.

THIS DECISION COMES AS TENNESSEE’S NURSING HOMES AND SKILLED NURSING FACILITIES HAVE ANNOUNCED COMPLETION OF 100% OF BOTH COVID VACCINE DOSES AND ASSISTED CARE LIVING FACILITIES AND RESIDENTIAL HOMES ARE PROJECTED TO BE COMPLETED THIS WEEK.

IN A STATEMENT TENNESSEE HEALTH COMMISSIONER LISA PIERCEY ASSURED THAT THE STATE IS READY TO TRANSITION TO A MORE SUSTAINABLE APPROACH FOR LONG TERM SAFE OPERATION OF THESE FACILITIES.