MercyOne sent an update to employees on Tuesday letting them know waivers provided under Iowa state law do not align with the new CMS rule.
“Which supersedes any conflicting state law,” the paper states. “As a result, in order to comply with the new federal CMS rule, colleagues located in Iowa will now need to be vaccinated or receive an approved exemption and accommodation to continue working.”
Employees are told if their accommodation is based on an Iowa state law waiver and they wish to continue to be accommodated, they must submit a request AND qualify for a religious or medical exemption as soon as possible and no later than Dec. 6.
“The Iowa state law waiver is superseded by the CMS rule,” the letter states.
The Iowa Standard is in the process of contacting lawmakers for their thoughts on this letter.
We did talk with one state legislator who said they believe there is “zero reason” for MercyOne to do this since the CMS rules are on hold after a judge’s decision earlier this week.
MercyOne provided the following statement:
“MercyOne is committed to ensuring we comply with all state and federal laws and regulations. We continue to require COVID-19 vaccination, an exemption or waiver as a condition of employment, and are deeply grateful to all of our colleagues.”
