06/05/2025

You Asked: Our nursing home is doing COVID-19 testing for new admissions on days 1, 3, and 5. Is this required?

You Asked: Our nursing home is doing COVID-19 testing for new admissions on days 1, 3, and 5. Is this required?

We Answered: No, routine admission testing for COVID-19 is not required. Nursing homes are required to follow the QSO-20-39-NH memo, which refers providers to the CDC Infection Control Guidance. Under this guidance, admission testing is at the discretion of the facility.

LeadingAge Ohio reminds providers that any facility practice, such as testing new admissions, must be accurately reflected in the facility’s Infection Control policy. If a policy states that admission testing will occur, but the facility does not follow it, this inconsistency could result in a citation. Always ensure that practices and policies are aligned and updated as facility operation changes occur.