As noted in the CMS FAQs for In-Person Visitation Aids, Civil Money Penalty (CMP) Reinvestment funds are available to certified nursing facilities to add portable fans and portable room air cleaners with high-efficiency (HEPA H-13 or H-14) filters to increase and improve air quality in nursing homes. The DPH can approve applications that meet the defined CMS parameters without review by CMS. The use of an application template will reduce the amount of time for approval of these funds. The maximum for this round of applications is $3,000 per facility. The following criteria must be met for state approval of allowable uses of CMP funds for in-person visitation.
- Facilities may use up to a maximum of $3,000 for in-person visitation aids which now include portable fans and portable air cleaners meeting the criteria stated on the application template.
- Applications must only include requests that directly address the need to facilitate safe in-person visits for residents.
- Applicants must only include requests for funds to purchase in-person visitation aids (i.e., portable fans and portable room air cleaners with HEPA filtration). The application template should not include requests for items identified as prohibited (see list of prohibited expenses included in application template).
- Applicants must ensure Life Safety Code (LSC) requirements found at 42 CFR 483.90 are met, unless waived under the PHE declaration.
- Applicants must ensure appropriate infection prevention and control practices are in place. Surfaces must be cleaned and disinfected between resident uses and CMP funds may not be used for disinfection supplies.
- To apply to receive CMP funds for portable fans and portable room air cleaners with HEPA filtration the application template must be completed and submitted by May 27, 2022, to: CMPTechOrder@mass.gov.