
Emergency Preparedness


CMS finalizes rule to bolster emergency preparedness of certain facilities participating in Medicare and Medicaid
The Emergency Preparedness Requirements for Medicare and Medicaid Participating Providers and Suppliers Final Rule became effective on November 15, 2016 with an implementation date of November 15, 2017. This means that as of November 15, 2017, all affected providers and suppliers (which include FQHCs) must meet all of the applicable requirements of the rule. The requirements include: develop an emergency/communication plan, conduct a hazard vulnerability analysis-including facility and community based, develop policy and procedures, conduct staff training and testing of the emergency plan (FQHCs much conduct two exercises to test the emergency plan at least annually).
1. Participate in a full-scale exercise that is community-based or when a community based exercise is not accessible, an individual, facility-based.
If the FQHC experiences an actual natural or manmade emergency that requires activation of the emergency plan, the FQHC is exempt from engaging in a community-based or individual, facility-based full-scale exercise for 1 year following the onset of the actual event.
2. Conduct an additional exercise that may include, but is not limited to following:
A second full-scale exercise that is community-based or individual, facility-based, or a tabletop exercise that includes a group discussion led by a facilitator, using a narrated, clinically-relevant emergency scenario and a set of problem statements, directed messages or prepared question designee to challenge an emergency plan.
Providers and suppliers that are found to have not completed these exercises, or any other requirements of the Final Rule upon their survey, will be cited for non-compliance.
For questions or additional information, contact Janice Pirner (jpirner@mo-pca.org)
Additional Resources:
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Medicare and Medicaid Programs; Emergency Preparedness Requirements for Medicare and Medicaid Participating Providers and Suppliers: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2016/09/16/2016-21404/medicare-and-medicaid-programs-emergency-preparedness-requirements-for-medicare-and-medicaid
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ASPR Technical Resources, Assistance Center, and Information Exchange (TRACIE): https://asprtracie.hhs.gov/cmsrule
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Surveyor Training in CMS Rule -- https://surveyortraining.cms.hhs.gov/pubs/ProviderTraining.aspx
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Crisis & Emergency Risk Communications by CDC: https://emergency.cdc.gov/cerc/resources/index.asp
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FEMA Independent Study Program - https://training.fema.gov/is
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CMS After Action Report/Improvement Plan Template: https://www.cms.gov/Medicare/Provider-Enrollment-and-Certification/SurveyCertEmergPrep/Templates-Checklists.html
Are you familiar with Direct Relief?
Resources
2011 Special Joplin Storm Edition: The Health Center.
CDC Guide to Extreme Heat https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/index.html
Emergency Preparedness for Seniors & the Disabled https://www.thezebra.com/insurance-news/4674/emergency-preparedness-seniors-disabled/
Humane Society - Protect Your Pets http://www.humanesociety.org/issues/animal_rescue/tips/pets-disaster.html
Disaster Safety for Renters https://www.homecity.com/disaster-safety-for-renters
Ready for Anything: First Aid for Pets https://www.avma.org/public/EmergencyCare/Pages/First-Aid-Tips-for-Pet-Owners.aspx
Guide to Safe Pet Travel
Following the Spring 2017 record flooding in Southern and Midwestern Missouri, many government entities, non-profits and volunteers stepped forward to provide assistance to those in need. One of those companies was Direct Relief. Ranked #1 on Charity Navigator’s 2017 list of top-rated charity organizations, Direct Relief has come to the aid of many community health centers in Missouri over the last several years, filling critical gaps in public health emergency response efforts. Last week, the organization announced that it would be responding to the nation’s opioid epidemic by supplying free Naloxone to community health centers to save the lives of people experiencing an opioid overdose – a service it can offer as the only humanitarian non-profit also designated as a verified-accredited wholesale distributor by the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy.
In order for Direct Relief to provide emergency assistance to your health center in a time of emergency, they need to have a signed agreement on file. To ensure that they can respond as quickly as possible in the future, the Missouri Primary Care Association recommends that you consider effectuating an agreement with Direct Relief now. This free, life-saving assistance can be a valuable addition to your health center’s emergency preparedness plan. If you’re interested in learning more about Direct Relief, contact Janice Pirner here at MPCA at (573) 636-4222.