| Preparing for Your Life Safety Survey: A New Resource for Providers | https://www.ahcancal.org/News-and-Communications/Blog/Pages/Preparing-for-Your-Life-Safety-Survey-A-New-Resource-for-Providers-.aspx | Preparing for Your Life Safety Survey: A New Resource for Providers | | | | | 6/16/2026 4:00:00 AM | | <p></p><div>Life Safety surveys are an important part of the survey process and provide an opportunity for facilities to demonstrate their commitment to resident safety and regulatory compliance. Preparing for a survey involves coordinating a variety of records, plans, and facility information, making organization and readiness key to a smooth survey experience. </div><div><br></div><div>To help providers prepare, AHCA’s Emergency Preparedness and Life Safety Committee has developed a new resource: <a href="/Survey-Regulatory-Legal/MemberOnlyDocs/AHCA%20Life%20Safety%20Survey%20Preparedness%20Resource%20May%202026%20Final.pdf" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank"><strong>Tips for Preparing Before Your Life Safety Survey. </strong></a></div><div><br></div><div>The checklist is designed to help facilities review the documents, records, and information that surveyors commonly request during a Life Safety Survey. It can also serve as a useful tool for conducting internal readiness reviews throughout the year, to identify gaps and ensure important records remain current and accessible. </div><div><br></div><div>The resource covers several key areas, including: </div><div><br></div><div><ul><li>Reference documents such as Life Safety Code and Healthcare Facilities Code materials </li><li><span style="font-size:11pt;">Life safety drawings and building information </span></li><li><span style="font-size:11pt;">Inspection, testing, and maintenance records for fire protection, electrical, and emergency systems </span></li><li><span style="font-size:11pt;">Fire drill documentation </span></li><li><span style="font-size:11pt;">Patient care-related and non-patient care electrical equipment records </span></li><li><span style="font-size:11pt;">Emergency preparedness plans and supporting documentation, should it be requested </span></li><li><span style="font-size:11pt;">Hazard Vulnerability Assessments, exercises, and staff training records </span></li></ul></div><div><br></div><div><span style="font-size:11pt;">In addition to documentation, the checklist highlights practical items facilities may want to have available during the survey process, such as facility drawings, keys for secured areas, flashlights, and ladders. </span></div><div><br></div><div>The resource also includes reminders about post-survey activities, such as reviewing statements of deficiencies and developing plans of correction when needed. </div><div><br></div><div>This resource, and other life safety resources, can be found <a href="/Survey-Regulatory-Legal/Pages/Fire-Life-Safety.aspx" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank">here</a>. </div><div><br></div><div>Questions can be sent to <a href="mailto:emergencyprep@ahca.org" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank">emergencyprep@ahca.org</a>. <br></div><p></p> | Life Safety surveys are an important part of the survey process and provide an opportunity for facilities to demonstrate their commitment to resident safety and regulatory compliance. | |
| Preparing For and Managing Extreme Heat This Summer | https://www.ahcancal.org/News-and-Communications/Blog/Pages/Preparing-For-and-Managing-Extreme-Heat-This-Summer-.aspx | Preparing For and Managing Extreme Heat This Summer | | | | | 6/9/2026 4:00:00 AM | | <p>As temperatures rise during the summer months, long term care providers should be prepared to protect residents from the risks associated with extreme heat. Older adults are particularly vulnerable to heat-related illnesses due to chronic medical conditions, medications, decreased mobility, and a reduced ability to regulate body temperature. Even short-term exposure to high temperatures can place residents at serious risk if providers are not prepared. </p><div><span style="font-size:14.6667px;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-size:14.6667px;">To adequately prepare for a hot summer, maintenance staff should complete preventive maintenance and seasonal inspections of HVAC systems to reduce the likelihood of unexpected failures during peak season demands. Facility leadership should review and update emergency preparedness plans that address heat emergencies and prolonged air conditioning outages. This includes items such as: </span></div><div><ul><li>Verifying vendor relationships for HVAC repair, </li><li>Gathering, testing, and servicing portable cooling equipment and fans, </li><li>Topping off emergency generator fuel supplies, </li><li>Verifying alternate care locations and evacuation agreements. </li></ul></div><div><span style="font-size:14.6667px;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-size:14.6667px;">Keeping residents cool and hydrated during periods of elevated temperatures is critical. Staff should closely monitor indoor temperatures throughout the facility, with a specific focus on resident sleeping rooms and areas where there is known to be limited air flow. Consider the following tips for managing temperatures and keeping residents comfortable: </span></div><div><ul><li>Provide cold water, refresh frequently, and encourage hydration, to drink more than usual as residents should not wait until they are thirsty to drink. </li><ul><li><em>Note: For those residents on fluid restrictions, check with their doctor how much they should drink in hot weather. </em></li></ul><li>Keep blinds, curtains, and drapes closed in areas of the building that receive direct sunlight. </li><li>Encourage loose, lightweight clothing and provide breathable bedding. </li><li>Turn off lights as well as other heat-producing appliances whenever possible. </li><li>Limit outdoor activities and strenuous activities. </li><li>Move residents to cooler areas of the building. </li><li>Conduct additional observation rounds. </li><li>Set up fans and other cooling equipment around the building, if available. Use fans only if indoor temperatures are less than 90ºF. Above 90ºF, a fan can increase body temperature. </li><li>Consider serving a non-cooking menu. </li></ul></div><div><span style="font-size:14.6667px;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-size:14.6667px;">Additional tips and information are available on the Centers for Disease Prevention and Control’s (CDC) <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/climate-health/php/resources/protect-yourself-from-the-dangers-of-extreme-heat.html" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank">website</a>. </span></div><div><span style="font-size:14.6667px;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-size:14.6667px;">As part of your annual Emergency Preparedness Program (EPP) review and update, ensure that high heat / loss of air conditioning scenarios are fully addressed. A comprehensive plan should include: </span></div><div><ul><li>Strategies for maintaining a comfortable, safe environment. </li><li>Contact lists for HVAC vendors and emergency repair services. </li><li>Details of HVAC service agreements and backup options. </li><li>Contingency plans for evacuation, which may be necessary if air conditioning systems are down for an extended period. </li></ul></div><div><span style="font-size:14.6667px;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-size:11pt;">Preparing for extreme heat before temperatures rise can help protect residents, support staff, and reduce operational disruptions. </span></div><div><span style="font-size:14.6667px;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-size:11pt;">Visit the </span><a href="https://ahca/NCAL%20website." data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank" style="font-size:11pt;">AHCA/NCAL website</a><span style="font-size:11pt;"> for additional emergency preparedness tools, resources, and guidance.</span></div><p></p> | As temperatures rise during the summer months, long term care providers should be prepared to protect residents from the risks associated with extreme heat. | |
| What Long Term Care Leaders Should Know About the CDC Hantavirus Alert | https://www.ahcancal.org/News-and-Communications/Blog/Pages/What-Long-Term-Care-Leaders-Should-Know-About-the-CDC-Hantavirus-Alert-.aspx | What Long Term Care Leaders Should Know About the CDC Hantavirus Alert | | | | | 5/26/2026 4:00:00 AM | | <p><span style="font-size:11pt;">The recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) <a href="mailto:https://www.cdc.gov/han/php/notices/han00528.html?ACSTrackingID=DM155339&ACSTrackingLabel=HAN%20529%20-%20Health%20Advisory%20(for%20COCA%20partners)&deliveryName=DM155339" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank">Health Alert Network update</a> regarding hantavirus has understandably raised questions across healthcare settings, including long term care. While headlines involving outbreaks and respiratory illness can quickly generate concern, context matters when assessing the actual level of risk and operational impact for providers and residents. </span></p><div><span style="font-size:11pt;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-size:11pt;">At this time, the CDC continues to emphasize that the overall risk to the American public remains very low. The current concern is tied to a travel-associated Andes virus outbreak connected to a cruise ship exposure event; not widespread U.S. transmission. </span></div><div> </div><div>Importantly, the Andes strain differs from the hantaviruses more commonly seen in the United States. Historically, most U.S. cases have occurred in western states such as New Mexico, Arizona, Colorado, and Utah and are typically associated with exposure to infected deer mice in rural environments. <br></div><div> </div><div>For long term care providers, this is not currently a situation requiring operational changes or heightened respiratory precautions. Instead, it serves as a reminder to: </div><div> <br></div><div><ul><li><span style="font-size:11pt;">Reinforce environmental safety and rodent control practices, </span></li><li><span style="font-size:11pt;">Maintain clinical awareness for severe respiratory illness with relevant travel exposure, </span></li><li><span style="font-size:11pt;">And continue communicating clearly and calmly with staff and families. </span></li></ul></div><div><br></div><div>Another important takeaway is how rapidly public health and laboratory systems mobilized in this response. Following the outbreak, researchers developed a <a href="mailto:https://www.cdc.gov/han/php/notices/han00529.html?ACSTrackingID=DM155339&ACSTrackingLabel=HAN%20529%20-%20Health%20Advisory%20(for%20COCA%20partners)&deliveryName=DM155339" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank">PCR test</a> for the Andes virus within days; a reflection of how much infectious disease preparedness and response infrastructure has evolved since COVID-19. </div><div><br></div><div>Long term care organizations have significantly strengthened infection prevention, surveillance, and emergency preparedness capabilities over the past several years. Events like this reinforce the importance of maintaining strong public health partnerships, clinical awareness, and responding thoughtfully as new information emerges. Facilities should partner closely with Medical Directors and an infection prevention leader to interpret evolving public health guidance. </div><div><br></div><div>Any questions may be directed to <a href="mailto:regulatory@ahca.org" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank">regulatory@ahca.org. </a><br></div><p></p> | The recent CDC Health Alert Network update regarding hantavirus has understandably raised questions across healthcare settings, including long term care. | |
| Maintenance Director Training Course on ahcancalED | https://www.ahcancal.org/News-and-Communications/Blog/Pages/Maintenance-Director-Training-Course-on-ahcancalED.aspx | Maintenance Director Training Course on ahcancalED | | | | | 4/14/2026 4:00:00 AM | | <p><span style="font-size:11pt;">The Emergency Preparedness & Life Safety Committee is excited to announce another live session to introduce more providers to the </span><a href="https://educate.ahcancal.org/products/maintenance-director-training" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank" style="font-size:11pt;">Maintenance Director Training Course</a><span style="font-size:11pt;">, now available on ahcancalED. This resource is designed to support long term care facility managers and maintenance directors in building compliant environmental programs that meet regulatory standards. </span></p><div><span style="font-size:11pt;">The Maintenance Director Training Course is structured into four focused modules, each addressing critical areas of facility safety and compliance: </span></div><div><br></div><div><ol><li>Maintenance Director Overview </li><li><span style="font-size:11pt;">Fire and Smoke Door Inspection </span></li><li><span style="font-size:11pt;">Generator Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance </span></li><li><span style="font-size:11pt;">Portable P</span><span style="font-size:11pt;">atient-Care Related Electrical Equipment (PCREE) Testing </span></li><li><span style="font-size:11pt;">Kitchen Fire Safety and Compliance </span></li><li><span style="font-size:11pt;">Oxygen Cylinder Storage </span></li><li><span style="font-size:11pt;">Sprinkler System Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance </span></li></ol></div><div><br></div><div><span style="font-size:11pt;">Each module includes educational videos, downloadable PowerPoint presentations, and handouts to support learning and implementation. </span></div><div><br></div><div>Whether you’re looking to train new staff or reinforce existing protocols, this course offers flexible learning options. Modules can be completed individually or as a full series, allowing facilities to tailor the experience to their specific needs. </div><div><br></div><div>Upon successful completion, participants will receive a certificate that can be used to demonstrate competency in fire and smoke door inspections, fulfilling annual requirements under NFPA 80 and NFPA 105, as part of the 2012 Life Safety Code®. </div><div><br></div><div>AHCA/NCAL members are invited to a <a href="https://educate.ahcancal.org/products/maintenance-director-training" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank">live webinar</a> on <strong>April 22 at 12PM ET.</strong> Attendees will get an overview of the training program and be able to participate in a live Q&A session with life safety experts. <em>Registration is free for AHCA/NCAL members, $65 for nonmembers.</em><br></div><p></p> | The Emergency Preparedness & Life Safety Committee is excited to announce another live session to introduce more providers to the Maintenance Director Training Course, now available on ahcancalED. | |