California Governor Mandates COVID Booster for All Healthcare Workers, Including Home Care

Governor Newsom announced last week that by February 1, 2022, health care workers and all employees in high-risk congregate settings, including those providing in-home care will be required to get their COVID-19 booster shot. In the interim, all health care staff that have not received their booster must test for COVID-19 twice weekly until they are up to date on their vaccines.

---

 “Worker refers to all paid and unpaid individuals who work in indoor settings where (1) care is provided to individuals, or (2) persons in care have access for any purpose. This includes workers serving in residential care or other direct care settings who have the potential for direct or indirect exposure to persons in care or SARS-CoV-2 airborne aerosols. Workers include, but are not limited to, direct supportive services staff, hospice providers, nurses, nursing assistants, physicians, technicians, therapists, WPCS providers, IHSS providers, registered home care aides, certified home health aides, students and trainees, contractual staff not employed by the residential facility, and persons not directly involved in providing care or services, but who could be exposed to infectious agents that can be transmitted in the care setting (e.g., clerical, clergy, dietary, environmental services, laundry, security, engineering and facilities management, administrative, billing, cosmetology, personal training and volunteer personnel).”
​
Please be advised that this includes Home Care Aide Organizations, Home Health Agencies and Hospice Agencies. Click here for a Provider Information Notice (PIN) from the California Department of Social Services issued on December 28 for details.