Because of new regulations published by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), Intermountain caregivers must receive one dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine, or a single dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, by December 5—one month sooner than was originally announced. The due date for the second dose of Pfizer or Moderna is now January 4, 2022.
“Non-compliance isn’t an option because it means some of the most vulnerable in our community—including underserved populations, the elderly, and children—wouldn’t have their care covered,” says Mark Briesacher, MD, chief physician executive. “For many rural communities who already have limited access to care, that result could be devastating. Remaining compliant with federal government regulations enables us to continue to care for all patients in our communities and help keep our caregivers as safe as possible, which is critical to our mission.”
The CMS regulations extend to more than 17 million healthcare workers and facilities across the United States. While a federal appeals court temporarily halted the Biden Administration’s OSHA COVID-19 requirements on November 5, no stay has been issued for CMS and the Safer Federal Workforce Task Force regulations.
“The CMS regulations specifically define that the OSHA regulation doesn’t apply to healthcare systems because they must abide by their stricter regulations,” says Greg Matis, chief legal officer. “If a stay is issued for CMS and the Safer Federal Workforce Task Force regulations, we will review the information and let you know what it means to our caregivers.”
The expedited vaccine deadline has also moved the medical and religious exemptions process, which now has a deadline of November 22. So far, there have been 62 medical exemptions and 728 religious exemptions submitted.
“Our committees are working through the submissions as quickly as possible and approval letters are going out,” says Heather Brace, chief people officer.
Take action today to meet this requirement:
1. Submit a religious or medical exemption by November 22, 2021.
2. Provide consent and upload COVID-19 vaccination documentation by December 5, 2021. The link only works on the Intermountain network (e.g., on a facility computer or a device connected via PingID/Pulse Secure). It also works best on Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge.
If you don’t feel comfortable allowing Intermountain to access your COVID-19 record digitally, you can upload your vaccine record using the same consent link and clicking “Immunizations” and “Add COVID Vaccination.” By taking this step, you’re granting consent for Intermountain to have your vaccine information as an employer. It doesn’t mean you’re letting Employee Health access your record digitally.
3. Get your COVID-19 vaccine at a caregiver clinic. Clinics are happening now at Intermountain facilities for first, second, and third (booster) doses. If you’re not near a facility, you can go to a local pharmacy or community clinic. There isn’t a weekly testing alternative to opt out of vaccination, per the federal contractor and CMS regulations that apply to us as a healthcare provider.
To learn more, review the updated Q&A document, visit the COVID-19 Vaccine Requirement webpage, and visit the CDC COVID-19 Vaccine website. You can also speak with your supervisor, who’s here to support you through each step.
- For medical questions specific to the COVID-19 vaccine: Contact the Employee Health Hotline by calling 801-442-6767 to talk to a registered nurse or medical assistant. You can also talk to your primary care provider.
- For non-medical questions specific to the COVID-19 vaccine requirement: Contact Ask HR at 801-442-7547 or askhr@imail.org, or speak with your supervisor.
- General inquires can be sent to covid19@imail.org. Questions will be answered within two business days.