The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a memo to nursing facilities, residents, and their families outlining recommendations for residents who choose to leave the facility temporarily to visit family and friends over the holidays. The recommendations include steps nursing facility staff should take when residents return to the facility, including increased screening and monitoring. The memo also reminds staff of the existing visitation guidance and the need to be extra vigilant during this season, both inside and outside the facility. 

Although not explicitly stated in the memo, advocates should know that facilities must allow residents to return but may require the resident to follow precautions such as a temporary quarantine within the facility.