Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

Feds call on hospitals to improve disaster plans

The Department of Health and Human Services is proposing new requirements for healthcare facilities to ensure their readiness to care for patients during disasters

By Healthcare Facilities Today


The Department of Health and Human Services is proposing new requirements for healthcare facilities to ensure their readiness to care for patients during disasters, according to an article in The New York Times.

Describing emergency preparedness as an “urgent public health issue,” the proposal includes regulations aimed at preventing the disruptions that followed Hurricanes Katrina and Sandy.

More than 68,000 facilities would be affected, including large hospital chains, nursing homes, home health agencies, rural health clinics, organ transplant procurement organizations, outpatient surgery sites, psychiatric hospitals for youths and kidney dialysis centers, according to the article.

The initiative has met resistance from industry officials who question the first-year price tag of $225 million. The American Hospital Association said that federal officials “may have significantly underestimated the burden and cost associated with complying with this rule.”

The regulations would require hospitals, nursing facilities and group homes to have plans to maintain emergency lighting, fire safety systems, and sewage and waste disposal during power losses, and to keep temperatures at a safe level for patients, the article said.

Read the article.

 



March 13, 2014


Topic Area: Safety


Recent Posts

Hospitals Recognized for Sustainability, Resilience Achievements

The 496 healthcare organizations have demonstrated leadership in sustainability, environmental stewardship and climate resilience.


Caravel Autism Health Opens New Therapy Clinic in Missouri

The clinic features colorful, sensory-friendly spaces.


On the Lookout: The Software Supply Chain as a Healthcare Cyberattack Vector

Staying watchful of third-party software vendors and their activities is critical for healthcare cybersecurity.


Hackensack Meridian Health & Wellness Center at Clifton Opens

The Clifton center expands health care access in Passaic County by reducing barriers such as travel and wait times.


Suffolk Breaks Ground on Expansion of White Plains Hospital

The 10-story, approximately 500,000-square-foot expansion is slated to open in 2028.


 
 


FREE Newsletter Signup Form

News & Updates | Webcast Alerts
Building Technologies | & More!

 
 
 


All fields are required. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

 
 
 
 

Healthcare Facilities Today membership includes free email newsletters from our facility-industry brands.

Facebook   Twitter   LinkedIn   Posts

Copyright © 2023 TradePress. All rights reserved.