Health Center Emergency Preparedness Resources
CMS’s Emergency Preparedness Requirement Rule
On September 8, 2016 the Federal Register posted the final rule Emergency Preparedness Requirements for Medicare and Medicaid Participating Providers and Suppliers. The regulation went into effect on November 16, 2016. Health care providers and suppliers affected by this rule must comply and implement all regulations one year after the effective date, on November 15, 2017. More information about the rule, updates, and FAQs can be found here.
Emergency Preparedness Requirements_Rule_CMS_2017.pdf
Health Center Emergency Management Program Expectations
Health centers must have risk management policies and procedures in place that proactively and continually identify and plan for potential and actual risks to the health center in terms of its facilities, staff, clients, patients, financial, clinical, and organizational well-being. Plans and procedures for emergency management must be integrated into a health center’s risk management approach to assure that suitable guidelines are established and followed so that it can respond effectively and appropriately to an emergency. Health Center Emergency Management Program Expectations (hrsa.gov)
Other Health Center Emergency Preparedness Resources
There are a wide range of resources available to assist health centers in support of emergency management activities. Listed below are a number of federal references health centers may find helpful.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention—Emergency Preparedness & Response
Food and Drug Administration—Bioterrorism/Counterterrorism
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration—Disaster Response
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health—Business Emergency Management
State Offices and Agencies of Emergency Management—Contact Information