A federal agency within the Department of Health and Human Services has issued draft guidance to help healthcare facilities with disaster planning and recovery for major hurricanes, according to an article on the Health Data Management website.
The document, issued by the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response, provides an overview of the potential significant public health and medical response and recovery needs facing hurricane- and severe storm-affected areas.
Health information management is among the topics covered.
“During a disaster, patients may be separated from their 'medical home' and medical records,” the document said. “Information technology systems may be damaged in the event, and access to the systems may be limited by physical barriers, access issues, power disruptions or other impacts."