On March 14, 2025, CMS rescinded QSO-23-03-All – The Importance of Timely Use of COVID-19 Therapeutics.

• The memo was referenced in Executive Order (EO) 138997- Improving and Expanding Access to Care and Treatments in COVID-19. EO 13997 was rescinded in EO 14148 – Initial Rescissions of Harmful Executive Orders and Actions. According to CMS, this QSO memo was effective January 20, 2025, when EO 14148 was issued.   The original memo did not reflect new or changed survey guidance nor policy but was considered to be a reference memo only.  

What does this mean for nursing homes? Since the original memo did not change regulations or survey guidance, there are no changes to regulations or guidance resulting from its rescission.

• Regulations and guidance related to COVID-19 vaccination and NHSN reporting remain unchanged.  
• Current practice guidelines for the testing and treatment remain unchanged.