By Healthcare Facilities Today

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently proposed a rule that would require all hospitals participating in Medicare and Medicaid to develop an emergency preparedness plan.

CMS proposed the rule after reviewing what it called the current "regulatory patchwork" of emergency preparedness requirements currently established by Medicare, federal, state and local authorities as well as accrediting agencies and others, according to an article on the Healthcare Facilities Management website.

The proposed rule addresses:

• risk assessment and planning based on an all-hazards approach

• policies and procedures based on the emergency plan and risk assessment

• a communication plan that coordinates patient care within the facility, across health care providers, and with state and local public health departments and emergency systems

• testing and training programs

CMS stated in its proposed rule that "it is essential that health care providers and suppliers ensure that emergency management is integrated into their daily functions and values." 

Read the article.