09/24/2026

Survey Tip of the Week: Return-to-Work Policy Update

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updated its Infection Control in Healthcare Personnel guidance on September 11, 2026, including recommendations for managing healthcare personnel (HCP) who are exposed to or infected with viral respiratory infections. Nursing homes should review their current employee illness and return-to-work policies and update them as necessary to reflect the new recommendations. The updated guidance provides a more unified approach to respiratory viruses, including SARS-CoV-2, influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), parainfluenza, rhinovirus, human metapneumovirus and others.

For asymptomatic HCP with a known or suspected exposure:

• Work restrictions are not necessary.
• HCP should wear source control from the day of first exposure through at least the fifth day after the last exposure.
• HCP should monitor for signs or symptoms of a viral respiratory infection for at least five days following their last exposure.
• If symptoms develop, the HCP should be restricted from work according to the criteria for suspected or confirmed infection.

For HCP with a suspected or confirmed viral respiratory infection, restrict from work until:

• At least three days have passed from symptom onset (or from the first positive respiratory virus test if the individual remains asymptomatic); AND
• The HCP has been fever-free for at least 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medications; AND
• Symptoms are improving; AND
• The HCP feels well enough to return to work.

The day of symptom onset is considered day 0, making day 4 the earliest possible return-to-work day when all other criteria are met. Upon return, HCP should wear source control through at least the end of day 7, making day 8 the first possible day to work without source control.

Facilities should review the return-to-work policies and how exposure is defined. Educate staff on the updates to the policies, who they should notify of exposures and symptoms, and source control protocols.