The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services instituted a rule requiring emergency preparedness of certain facilities participating in their programs with a deadline for compliance set for November 15, 2017, according to an article on the McKnight's Long-term Care website.
A key component of compliance is developing a communication plan. Facilities must have a written emergency communication plan that contains information about how patient care is coordinated within the facility, across healthcare providers and with state and local public health departments.
The plan also should include how the facility interacts and coordinates with emergency management agencies in the event of a disaster.
The plan must be reviewed annually and updated as necessary.
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