ANGOLA, Ind. – On Nov. 5, 2021, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued an emergency regulation requiring all healthcare personnel who work in facilities that participate in the Medicare and Medicaid programs receive the COVID-19 vaccination. Like all other organizations that treat Medicare and Medicaid patients, Cameron Memorial Community Hospital is subjected to this mandate.

“We recognize that the pandemic has been extremely challenging for our staff, and we greatly appreciate their unwavering commitment to our patients,” said Angie Logan, Cameron CEO. “As a Medicare and Medicaid-certified provider, Cameron is bound by these regulations and must follow the mandate if we are to continue to serve our community.”

In compliance with the emergency regulation, Cameron has requested that all employees submit proof that they have received the first dose of a primary series or a single dose COVID-19 vaccine by December 5, 2021. Proof of completion of the primary vaccination series must be completed no later than January 4, 2022. If healthcare workers do not meet the deadlines set by CMS, they will be off the work schedule until they choose to become vaccinated or receive an approved exemption.

All Cameron employees have been provided with resources and offered support to schedule a vaccination appointment or seek a religious or medical exemption. The system will also be hosting a Q&A panel to answer employee questions about the CMS regulation.

“Cameron’s mission has always been to provide the highest quality of care,” said Deborah McHenry, board chair at Cameron. “Our employees embody that mission and their selfless dedication to patients is what sets Cameron apart. We are committed to providing our team members with support and resources to help them navigate through the CMS mandate.”

There is a separate mandate from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) that requires vaccination for employers with more than 100 employees. The OSHA mandate is separate from the CMS rule, which Cameron is obligated to follow.

For more information on Cameron Hospital, please visit www.cameronmch.com or our Facebook page, @CameronHospital.