Healthcare Emergency Preparedness (CMS Rule)

Evaluate CMS Emergency Preparedness Rule compliance covering emergency plans, policies, communication, training, testing, and integrated healthcare systems

HealthcareResearchBiotech25 minutes18 questions

1. Emergency Plan & Policies

Is a comprehensive Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) documented and reviewed annually?*

CMS EP Rule: EOP addresses natural disasters, terrorism, infectious disease outbreaks, all-hazards approach

Does EOP include risk assessment based on facility location and patient population?*

Hazard Vulnerability Analysis (HVA) identifies likely emergencies, prioritizes planning

Are policies in place for patient care surge, staff surge, and supply management?*

Surge capacity plans for 96-hour self-sufficiency, staffing models, alternative care sites

2. Communication Plan

Is redundant communication system in place (primary and backup)?*

Multiple methods: landline, cell, satellite, radio, internet; backup power for systems

Are contact lists maintained for staff, external partners, and emergency contacts?*

Updated quarterly: staff call-down list, vendors, EMS, public health, mutual aid hospitals

Is public information officer (PIO) designated for media communication?*

HICS role: Single spokesperson, media relations training, crisis communication templates

3. Training & Drills

Is initial and annual emergency preparedness training provided to all staff?*

CMS requirement: Train on EOP, evacuation, shelter-in-place, role-specific responsibilities

Are emergency response drills conducted at least annually?*

Full-scale exercise (community-wide) or functional exercise (facility-wide) annually

Are drill after-action reports completed with corrective action plans?*

Document drill performance, identify gaps, implement improvements, track action items

4. Integrated Healthcare Systems

Are memoranda of understanding (MOUs) in place with external partners?*

MOUs with hospitals, EMS, public health, emergency management, alternate care facilities

Is facility integrated into local/regional healthcare coalition?*

Participation in regional planning, drills, information sharing (HPP/ASPR coalitions)

Is patient tracking system in place for evacuation and reunification?*

Document patient locations during evacuations, family notification, reunification center

5. Continuity of Operations

Is Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP) established for essential functions?*

Identify mission-critical operations, succession planning, alternate facilities

Is emergency generator tested weekly with monthly load testing?*

NFPA 110: Weekly run test (30 mins), monthly load test (30% capacity minimum)

Are critical data systems backed up with offsite/cloud storage?*

EHR, lab, pharmacy systems backed up daily, stored offsite, tested for restoration

6. Resource Management

Is 96-hour supply of essential resources maintained (pharmaceuticals, supplies, fuel)?*

CMS requirement: 96-hour self-sufficiency for medications, food, water, fuel

Are vendor contracts in place for emergency resupply?*

Priority agreements with medical suppliers, fuel, food service, laundry, waste disposal

Is personal protective equipment (PPE) stockpiled per risk assessment?*

30-day supply of N95 masks, gowns, gloves, face shields based on infectious disease risk

Please answer all required questions to see your results