On September 1, CMS announced in a memo the release of the emergency preparedness (EP) online training course for surveyors, who will begin surveying for requirements on November 15, 2017 per the EP final rule (published September 16, 2016).

All surveyors are required to take this course; newly hired surveyors will take the course during their State Survey Agency orientation; and providers are encouraged to participate in the training course as well.

“Facilities that are dragging their feet should especially recognize the sense of urgency to achieve compliance in the wake of natural disasters across the country. Recent headlines during Hurricane Harvey have reminded us all that emergency preparedness must be a priority as emergencies and disasters can happen anywhere to anyone,” says Stefanie Corbett, DHA, Post-Acute Care Regulatory Specialist for H3.Group.

 
Click the links below to access additional resources:

• EP presentation on the final rule

• Advanced copy of the EP Interpretive Guidelines (State Operations Manual – new Appendix Z)

• CMS's Emergency Preparedness Basic Surveyor Training Course

• Emergency planning checklist for long-term care facilities

THE 4 AREAS OF FOCUS

Starting November 15, Surveyors will be looking at EP plans along four areas of focus, including:

• Emergency plan: Based on a risk assessment, develop an emergency plan using an all-hazards approach focusing on capacities and capabilities that are critical to preparedness for a full spectrum of emergencies or disasters specific to the location of a provider or supplier.

• Policies and procedures: Develop and implement policies and procedures based on the plan and risk assessment.

• Communication plan: Develop and maintain a communication plan that complies with both Federal and State law. Patient care must be well-coordinated within the facility, across health care providers, and with State and local public health departments and emergency systems.

• Training and testing program: Develop and maintain training and testing programs, including initial and annual trainings, and conduct drills and exercises or participate in an actual incident that tests the plan.

Click here to download HCPro’sfreeHazard Vulnerability Assessment Toolto calculate your facility’s risk for naturally occurring events.

For more tips on how to get your emergency preparedness plan survey-ready before November, including how to conduct an evacuation drill, cost effective strategies for compliance, and tips for joining a health care coalition, click here to read this full article in the March issue of PPS Alert for Long-Term Care.