Posted on February 04, 2022,
HR News
Due to federally mandated legislation for organizations who receive Medicaid funding, Children’s Home Society (CHS) will be implementing a new COVID-19 Vaccination Policy effective immediately. This policy requires all CHS staff members to be fully vaccinated no later than March 15, 2022.
Medicaid funding accounts for 50% of our program budget as a Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facility (PRTF). To ensure this funding going forward, CHS is required to comply with the vaccination mandate, which applies to the entire organization.
CHS is committed to keeping everyone informed as it relates to changes in COVID-19 legislation requirements, as well as providing information, policy detail, testing kits and communication, including the attached documents:
Still have questions? Read our FAQs:
Q: Why are we mandated by the government to be vaccinated?
A: Any healthcare facility that accepts Medicaid as a form of payment is mandated by the federal government to have its employees fully vaccinated or have an approved exemption. Medicaid provides 50% of CHS’s income.
Q: Our individual program of CHS does not receive Medicaid, why do I need to be vaccinated?
A: This mandate applies to the entire organization as it receives Medicaid funding. The mandate does not look at individual programs inside the organization.
Q: What does it mean to be fully vaccinated per the mandate?
A: To be fully vaccinated by March 15, 2022, an employee must obtain the first dose of a two-dose vaccine by February 14, 2022, and the second dose no later than March 1, 2022. Alternately, an employee must obtain one dose of a single dose vaccine by March 1, 2022.
Q: Do I need to have the booster to be considered fully vaccinated?
A: No, a booster is not needed to be considered fully vaccinated. However, as a Medicaid recipient, CHS is required to have recorded documentation of those employees who have received the booster.
Q: How do I submit vaccination documentation to HR?
A: There are two options to submit documentation. Upload a photo of your vaccination card in Paylocity or make a copy of your card and give it to HR.
Q: What if I do not want to be vaccinated?
A: If you choose not to be vaccinated, you will be subject to weekly COVID-19 rapid testing and need to have either a medical or religious exemption form filled out and on file with HR.
Q: What if I refuse testing, vaccination, and the submission of exemption documentation?
A: If you refuse to provide documentation and vaccination, you will be voluntarily resigning your position with CHS.
Q: How do I get my vaccine?
A: Visit any pharmacy to receive your free dose of vaccine. Vaccines are available at Walgreens, CVS Pharmacy at Target, Lewis, HyVee, Safeway, County Drug, or from your local physician.
Q: Where do I get tested each week?
A: Your program director/supervisor will be in touch with you about how testing will occur at your location.
Q: Does the incentive for PTO/Pay still apply if I get vaccinated now?
A: Yes, CHS will continue the COVID vaccination incentive (8 hours of PTO/Pay) through the end of the current fiscal year, which is June 30, 2022.
Q: Will I get paid overtime if I must report to work early or stay late to be tested?
A: Yes, you will be paid overtime, if applicable, for time worked.
Q: I recently had COVID-19. Do I still need to test every week?
A: No, if you had COVID-19, you do not need to test for the next 90 days. Contact HR or your supervisor to determine when testing will resume.
Q: Are volunteers required to be vaccinated?
A: Yes, volunteers are required to be vaccinated as defined in the COVID-19 Vaccination Policy. CHS staff members and volunteers may be legally entitled to a reasonable accommodation if the staff member or volunteer cannot receive the COVID-19 vaccination due to a medical condition/disability or sincerely held religious belief, practice or observance.
Q: Are visitors required to be vaccinated?
A: Visitors are not required to be vaccinated. However, if visitors are not vaccinated, they must abide by the CHS masking requirements during their visit.