Emergency Preparedness Background

On September 16, 2016, the final rule on Emergency Preparedness Requirements for Medicare and Medicaid Participating Providers and Suppliers was published. The rule was effective November 15, 2016 however health care providers and suppliers affected by this rule have until November 15, 2017 to implement the new requirements. This rule affects all 17 provider and supplier types eligible for participation in Medicare.

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services(CMS) anticipated the interpretive guidelines and survey procedures would be developed and published in the spring of 2017. Once the guidance is published, providers and suppliers will have several months to prepare for implementation. Surveyors will begin evaluating the new requirements after November 15, 2017.

Listed below are the four core elements of the emergency preparedness requirements:

1. Risk Assessment and Emergency Planning
2. Policies and Procedures
3. Communication Plan
4. Training and Testing

Risk Assessment and Emergency Planning:

The facility must develop and maintain an emergency preparedness plan that must be reviewed and updated at least annually.

Communication Plan:

The facility must develop an emergency preparedness communication plan that complies with federal, state and local laws. This plan must be reviewed and updated at least annually.

Policies and Procedures:

The facility must develop and implement policies and procedures based on the emergency plan and risk assessment. The policies and procedures must be reviewed and updated annually.

Training and Testing Program:

The facility must develop and maintain an emergency preparedness training and testing program that is based on the emergency plan. The facility must conduct exercises to test the emergency plan at least annually, including unannounced staff drills using the emergency procedures.

The Epp Experts full Implementation Service includes:

• Information gathering, directly from the relevant staff members.
• Facility specific policies and procedures that meet all state and federal requirements.
• Risk assessment/vulnerability analysis
• Creation of a compliant emergency contact list, incorporating the facilities staff, local
  vendors, and governmental agencies.
• All necessary agreements ready to be signed.
• Exact instructions on how to train the facility staff, and phone guidance to the facility staff
  member who is to be conducting training. All necessary forms will be provided ready to
  be signed and implemented.
• Full instructions on the needed drills. Full instructions and forms will be provided.
• Template emails ready to be sent out to local, county and state emergency officials.