Get Ready Now – NHSN Changes COVID-19 Reporting for Q4 2024

Karen Stockdale
September 3rd, 2024

Changes to take effect Sept 30, 2024

The National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) has announced several important changes to COVID-19 reporting that will take effect in the fourth quarter of 2024. These updates aim to streamline data collection and improve the accuracy of reporting for long-term care facilities and hospitals. Here are the key changes:

  1. Updated Definition for “Up to Date” COVID-19 Vaccination


    Starting September 30, 2024, the definition of “up to date” for COVID-19 vaccination will change. An individual will be considered up to date if they have received a single dose of the 2024-2025 updated COVID-19 vaccine. Until this vaccine is administered, facilities should report zero individuals as up to date.

  2. New Combined Respiratory Pathogen Reporting Form


    Facilities will need to use a new combined reporting form for respiratory pathogen vaccination, case, and hospitalization data. This form will replace the existing Pathway Data Reporting form for positive COVID-19, influenza, and RSV cases. While COVID-19 reporting remains mandatory, reporting for influenza and RSV will be optional.

  3. Retirement of the Pathway Data Reporting Form


    The existing Pathway Data Reporting form will be retired and archived. This change is part of the effort to consolidate and simplify the reporting process.

  4. Webinars and Training Sessions


    To help facilities transition to the new reporting requirements, NHSN will host a series of webinars. These sessions will cover the updates to the resident data collection form and the new definition for up-to-date COVID-19 vaccination reporting.

Implications for Healthcare Providers

For Long-Term Care Facilities:

  • Training Needs: Staff will need to be trained on the new reporting requirements and the updated definition of “up to date” vaccination.
  • Data Collection: The new combined form will streamline data collection, but staff will need to ensure they are accurately reporting all required information.
  • Administrative Adjustments: Facilities may need to update their internal processes and electronic health record (EHR) systems to accommodate the new reporting form.

For Hospitals:

  • New Reporting Requirements: Starting November 1, 2024, hospitals will be required to electronically report information about COVID-19, influenza, and RSV as part of the CMS Conditions of Participation.

Need Help?

We know that NHSN reporting can be time-consuming and frustrating. That is why Votive partners with post-acute care providers to ensure timely reporting, and accuracy while freeing up valuable staff time for caregiving. Want to know more? Contact us for a free demo and answers to your questions.