Healthcare facilities must meet four best-practice standards for handling natural and man-made disasters by Nov. 2017, according to an article on the Bloomberg website.
Mandated practices include developing a comprehensive emergency plan and instituting employee training programs by Nov. 2017.
Medicare and Medicaid providers and suppliers also will have to develop and implement policies and procedures and establish a communications plan to coordinate patient care with state and local health departments, the article said.
The final rule was needed because existing disaster management plans don't go far enough in ensuring the safety of patients and staff in case of disaster, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services said.
Building Envelope Design: Beyond Energy Efficiency
Outpatient Surge Reshapes Long-Term Strategy for Medical Outpatient Buildings
Mercy Medical Center to Be Integrated into Baystate Health
Managing IAQ in Healthcare Facilities During Wildfires
Building Hospital Resilience in an Era of Extreme Weather