| CMS Releases Updated Emergency Preparedness Provider Information: What Providers Need to Know | https://www.ahcancal.org/News-and-Communications/Blog/Pages/CMS-Releases-Updated-Emergency-Preparedness-Provider-Information-What-Providers-Need-to-Know-.aspx | CMS Releases Updated Emergency Preparedness Provider Information: What Providers Need to Know | | | | | 3/10/2026 4:00:00 AM | | <p></p><div>The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently released updated <a href="https://www.cms.gov/medicare/health-safety-standards/quality-safety-oversight-emergency-preparedness/health-care-provider-guidance" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank"><strong>Health Care Provider Guidance</strong></a> aimed at strengthening emergency preparedness across care settings, including long term care. The update reinforces a clear message: effective planning, coordination, and continuous readiness are central to protecting patients, staff, and communities before, during, and after emergencies. This guidance is in alignment with current long term care regulatory requirements under <a href="https://www.cms.gov/Regulations-and-Guidance/Guidance/Manuals/downloads/som107ap_z_emergprep.pdf" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank">Appendix Z of the State Operations Manual (SOM)</a>, <strong>there are no regulation or surveyor guidance changes. </strong></div><div><br></div><div>As health care organizations continue to navigate increasingly complex threats—ranging from natural disasters to technological failures and public health events—this refreshed information provides a timely framework for resilience. </div><div><br></div><div><strong>Key Elements of the Updated Information </strong></div><div><br></div><div><strong>1. </strong><strong>A Comprehensive All Hazards Planning Approach </strong></div><div><br></div><div>CMS underscores that emergency preparedness must begin with <strong>robust hazard identification</strong>, commonly known as a Hazard Vulnerability Assessment (HVA), addressing both direct impacts to a facility and indirect threats affecting the surrounding community—such as utility disruptions or supply chain interruptions. This approach ensures plans aren’t designed for just one scenario but can flex to address a wide spectrum of events. </div><div><br></div><div><strong>2. Strengthening Mitigation Strategies </strong></div><div><br></div><div>The information elevates the importance of <strong>proactive mitigation</strong>, encouraging organizations to minimize risk before an event occurs. This includes safeguarding residents, ensuring staff receive appropriate safety training, and integrating mitigation into day-to-day operations. These mitigation plans can be built into your HVA and should be documented in your EP Plan. Notably, CMS emphasizes that mitigation is not a standalone phase—it directly shapes response and recovery readiness. </div><div><br></div><div><strong>3. Preparedness Through Training, Testing, and Plan Evolution </strong></div><div><br></div><div>Preparedness now centers on an organization’s capacity to <strong>maintain continuity of operations</strong> even when essential services are compromised. This requires ongoing review of hazard analyses, facility capabilities, and resource availability, at least annually as per the regulatory requirements. </div><div><br></div><div><span style="font-size:11pt;">CMS reiterates that emergency plans must be <strong>regularly trained, tested, and revised</strong>, ensuring teams know their roles and systems perform under stress. </span></div><div><br></div><div><strong>4. A Coordinated, System Level Response</strong> </div><div><br></div><div>CMS highlights that no provider operates in isolation during an emergency. An effective response is built on <strong>coordination with public health agencies, emergency medical services, health care coalitions, and other community partners. </strong>Establishing, maintaining, and documenting partnerships should be part of your annual EP updates. </div><div><br></div><div><strong>Why This Update Matters for Providers </strong></div><div><br></div><div>For leaders responsible for quality improvement and emergency preparedness, this guidance is more than regulatory direction—it’s a blueprint for <strong>safer, more resilient health care delivery</strong>. The emphasis on comprehensive planning, staff readiness, and community collaboration aligns with best practice emergency management principles and supports providers in meeting both operational and regulatory expectations. </div><div><br></div><div><strong>Practical Steps for Compliance and Readiness </strong></div><div><br></div><div><strong>Long term care providers are required to review and update emergency preparedness programs and its elements annually, </strong>per §483.73(a). Organizations should consider using this update as an opportunity to: </div><div><br></div><div><ul><li>Review the current regulatory requirements in <a href="https://www.cms.gov/Regulations-and-Guidance/Guidance/Manuals/downloads/som107ap_z_emergprep.pdf" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank">Appendix Z of the State Operations Manual (SOM) </a><br><br></li><li>Utilize AHCA’ s Emergency Preparedness regulations <a href="/Survey-Regulatory-Legal/Emergency-Preparedness/MemberOnlyDocs/EP%20regulation%20crosswalk%20Feb%202025.pdf" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank">crosswalk tool</a> to determine your survey preparedness <br><br></li><li>Revisit and revise their <strong>all hazards risk assessment</strong> (also known as a hazard vulnerability assessment, or HVA).<span style="white-space:pre;"> </span><br> <br></li><ul><li>An HVA template can be found <a href="/Survey-Regulatory-Legal/Emergency-Preparedness/MemberOnlyDocs/AHCA%20HVA%20Worksheets.xlsx" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank">here</a>, and instructions for use can be found here <br><br></li></ul><li>Strengthen <strong>cross departmental training</strong> and ensure all staff understand their emergency roles. <br><br></li><ul><li>An EP checklist to build, mature, and nurture your preparedness, including building an EP team, found <a href="/Survey-Regulatory-Legal/Emergency-Preparedness/MemberOnlyDocs/AHCA%20EPP%20Checklist.LTCAL.pdf" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank">here</a> <br><br></li></ul><li>Evaluate and update <strong>communication protocols</strong>, both internal and external. <br><br></li><ul><li>CMS requires LTC facilities to complete and document two annual exercises - one needs to be a full-scale exercise, and the second can be a tabletop exercise or mock disaster drill, or a second full-scale exercise, per <a href="https://www.cms.gov/Regulations-and-Guidance/Guidance/Manuals/downloads/som107ap_z_emergprep.pdf" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank">§483.73(d)</a> <br></li></ul><li>Conduct more frequent <strong>tabletop or full scale exercises</strong> reflecting realistic event scenarios. <br><br></li><ul><li>California Association of Health Facilities Disaster Preparedness and Arizona’s Disaster Ready site provide exercise and drill resources <a href="https://www.cahfdisasterprep.com/exercises" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank">here</a> and <a href="https://www.disasterreadyaz.org/prepare/" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank">here </a><br></li></ul><li>Enhance partnerships with <strong>local and regional emergency management entities</strong>. <br><br></li><ul><li>Review guidance on engaging with health care coalitions <a href="/Survey-Regulatory-Legal/Emergency-Preparedness/MemberOnlyDocs/Practices%20for%20Health%20Care%20Coalition%20Involvement.pdf" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank">here </a><br></li></ul></ul></div><div><br></div><div>These actions not only support compliance but also build a stronger safety culture and improve operational resilience. </div><div><br></div><div>To help Medicare-participating long term care organizations, ASPR TRACIE created a Topic Collection area that includes by-provider checklists, encompassing CMS’s Appendix Z guidance, and also provides various other resources and tools. <a href="https://asprtracie.hhs.gov/technical-resources/52/long-term-care-facilities/47" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank">Long-term Care Facilities | ASPR TRACIE.</a> </div><div><br></div><div>Additionally, ASPR TRACIE provides personalized support for requests for information and technical assistance (TA) and is accessible by toll-free number (1-844-5-TRACIE (587-2243)), email (askasprtracie@hhs.gov), or web form (<a href="https://asprtracie.hhs.gov/assistance-center/online-request-form" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank">https://asprtracie.hhs.gov/assistance-center/online-request-form</a>). </div><div><br></div><div>AHCA remains committed to providing resources and support in member preparedness; all resources can be found <a href="/Survey-Regulatory-Legal/Emergency-Preparedness/Pages/default.aspx" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank">here</a>. Please reach out to <a href="mailto:emergencyprep@ahca.org" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank">emergencyprep@ahca.org</a> with any questions. </div><div><br><br></div><p><br><br></p><div> <br></div><p></p> | CMS recently released updated Health Care Provider Guidance aimed at strengthening emergency preparedness across care settings, including long term care. | |
| Staying Warm Safely: Guidance on Space Heater Use in Long Term Care Communities | https://www.ahcancal.org/News-and-Communications/Blog/Pages/Staying-Warm-Safely-Guidance-on-Space-Heater-Use-in-Long-Term-Care-Communities-Term-Care-Communities-.aspx | Staying Warm Safely: Guidance on Space Heater Use in Long Term Care Communities | | | | | 3/2/2026 5:00:00 AM | | <p></p><div>This winter’s prolonged and widespread cold has pushed many providers to look more closely at how to keep residents and staff warm and comfortable. Space heaters may seem like a simple fix—especially during sudden temperature drops that strain a building’s heating system—but their use comes with important safety and compliance considerations. </div><div><br></div><div><span style="font-size:11pt;"><strong>Regulatory Requirements and Restrictions </strong></span></div><div><span style="font-size:11pt;">The <em>Life Safety Code®</em> places strict limitations on the use of space heaters in health care occupancies. They are <strong>prohibited</strong> throughout the building unless: </span></div><div><ul><li><span style="font-size:11pt;">They are restricted to <strong>only nonsleeping staff areas (eg. staff offices)</strong>, and </span></li><li><span style="font-size:11pt;">Their heating elements do <strong>not exceed 212°F. </strong></span></li></ul></div><div><br></div><div><span style="font-size:11pt;">Because of these requirements, space heaters are rarely permitted in skilled nursing facilities. In a true heating emergency, the authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) may approve temporary use to prevent evacuation. These exceptions, however, vary by jurisdiction, remain time-limited, and require implementation of <strong>interim life safety measures.</strong> </span></div><div><br></div><div><span style="font-size:11pt;">Requirements for assisted living and independent living settings are typically governed at the state level. Though they vary, these regulations are often less restrictive than those for skilled nursing. </span></div><div><br></div><div><span style="font-size:11pt;"><strong>Safe Use Practices When Space Heaters Are Allowed </strong></span></div><div><span style="font-size:11pt;">If your setting permits space heaters, follow these recommended best practices to minimize risk: </span></div><div><ul><li><span style="font-size:11pt;">Choose electric, portable heaters without open flames. Select units that use <strong>self-contained water or oil</strong> rather than exposed coils or heating wires. </span></li><li><span style="font-size:11pt;">Use only devices <strong>listed by recognized testing laboratories </strong>(UL, FM, etc.). </span></li><li><span style="font-size:11pt;">Ensure heaters include <strong>tip over protection and overheat protection. </strong></span></li><li><span style="font-size:11pt;">Select models with <strong>thermostats and automatic shutoff features. </strong></span></li><li><span style="font-size:11pt;">Place heaters on <strong>solid, flat floor surfaces</strong>—never on counters, tables, or carpets. </span></li><li><span style="font-size:11pt;">Plug heaters <strong>directly into a wall outlet</strong>. Do <strong>not</strong> use extension cords or surge protectors, and ensure the plug is grounded (three-pronged). </span></li><li><span style="font-size:11pt;"><strong>Turn off and unplug heaters </strong>when not in use. </span></li><li><span style="font-size:11pt;">Keep <strong>at least three feet of clearance</strong> between heaters and combustible materials including furniture, drapes, and bedding. </span></li></ul></div><div><br></div><div><span style="font-size:11pt;"><strong>Safe Alternatives to Maintain Comfort </strong></span></div><div><span style="font-size:11pt;">Maintaining a warm environment isn’t just a comfort issue; it’s a regulatory requirement under <strong>F584.</strong> Space heaters are not the only option. Consider these safer, compliant alternatives: </span></div><div><ul><li><span style="font-size:11pt;"><strong>Layered clothing,</strong> such as sweaters, sweatshirts, socks, and slippers. </span></li><li><span style="font-size:11pt;"><strong>Warm beverages and snacks </strong>to help maintain core body temperature. </span></li><li><span style="font-size:11pt;"><strong>Repositioning residents</strong> away from drafty windows and doors. </span></li><li><span style="font-size:11pt;">Creating activity or seating areas in parts of the building that naturally retain heat. </span></li></ul></div><div><br></div><div><span style="font-size:11pt;"><strong>I</strong></span><span style="font-size:11pt;"><strong>ncorporating Heat Loss into Emergency Planning </strong></span></div><div><span style="font-size:11pt;">As you annually update your <strong>Hazard Vulnerability Assessment (HVA),</strong> ensure that heat loss scenarios are fully addressed. A comprehensive plan should include: </span></div><div><ul><li><span style="font-size:11pt;">Strategies for preserving a warm, safe environment. </span></li><li><span style="font-size:11pt;">Contact lists for heating vendors and emergency repair services. </span></li><li><span style="font-size:11pt;">Details of service agreements and backup options. </span></li><li><span style="font-size:11pt;">Contingency plans for <strong>evacuation</strong>, which may be necessary if heating systems will be down for an extended period during extreme cold. </span></li></ul></div><div><br></div><div><span style="font-size:11pt;"><strong>Additional Resources </strong></span></div><div><span style="font-size:11pt;">For more tools to support preparedness, compliance, and safety, visit the <a href="/Survey-Regulatory-Legal/Emergency-Preparedness/Pages/default.aspx" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank"><strong>AHCA/NCAL website</strong></a><strong>.</strong></span></div><p><br></p><p><br><br><br></p> | This winter’s prolonged and widespread cold has pushed many providers to look more closely at how to keep residents and staff warm and comfortable. | |
| Maintenance Director Training Expanded in ahcancalED | https://www.ahcancal.org/News-and-Communications/Blog/Pages/Maintenance-Director-Training-Expanded-in-ahcancalED.aspx | Maintenance Director Training Expanded in ahcancalED | | | | | 2/17/2026 5:00:00 AM | | <p></p><div>The Emergency Preparedness & Life Safety Committee is excited to announce the expansion of the <a href="https://educate.ahcancal.org/products/maintenance-director-training" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank">Maintenance Director Training Course</a>, available on ahcancalED. This new resource is designed to support long term care facility managers and maintenance directors in building compliant environmental programs that meet regulatory standards. </div><div><br></div><div><span style="font-size:11pt;">The Maintenance Di</span><span style="font-size:11pt;">rector 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><span style="font-size:11pt;"></span></li><li>Portable Patient Care Related Electrical Equipment (PCREE) Testing </li><li><span style="font-size:11pt;">Kitchen Fire Safety & 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><span style="font-size:11pt;"></span></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®. <br></div><p></p> | The Emergency Preparedness & Life Safety Committee is excited to announce the expansion of the Maintenance Director Training Course, available on ahcancalED. | |
| New Laundry Fire Safety Tool | https://www.ahcancal.org/News-and-Communications/Blog/Pages/New-Laundry-Fire-Safety-Tool.aspx | New Laundry Fire Safety Tool | | | | | 1/20/2026 5:00:00 AM | | <p><span style="font-size:11pt;">Laundry fires are one of the more common fire situations in healthcare settings, especially in long term care. Organizations are continually using and laundering linens, clothing, and cleaning items such as mop heads, rags, and towels. Factors such as chemical use, dryer heat, and lint build-up can significantly increase the potential for fires in laundry locations. Prevention is the most effective mechanism to reduce the potential for a laundry related fire. </span></p><div><span style="font-size:11pt;">AHCANCAL recently published a tool for prevention guidelines, best practices and a template laundry safety checklist for both skilled nursing and assisted living providers, found </span><a href="/Survey-Regulatory-Legal/Emergency-Preparedness/MemberOnlyDocs/Laundry%20Fire%20Safety%20Tool%20AHCANCAL%202026.docx" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank" style="font-size:11pt;">here</a><span style="font-size:11pt;">. </span></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><div> <br></div><p></p> | Laundry fires are one of the more common fire situations in healthcare settings, especially in long term care.
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