Emergency Preparedness

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​AHCA/NCAL provides information and resources to help members respond to an emergency in a timely, organized, and effective manner. ​​​


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What You Need to Know​​​ ​

Monkeypox
In August 2022, the United States declared the ongoing monkeypox outbreak a public health emergency. Learn more about the disease and the warning​ signs you need to watch out for in LTC.​  

COVID-19 Updates​
​​Find the latest information on COVID-19 for long term care providers. This includes infection control practices, regulatory requirements and resources on COVID-19 vaccinations for long term care staff and residents. 

To meet Emergency Preparedness requirements, providers must be able to demonstrate their experience activating their emergency plans through written documentation. This is most commonly accomplished through ​an After-Action Report (AAR) and Improvement Plan. AHCA has developed a COVID-19 AAR Template that members can utilize to document their response and recovery efforts during the pandemic. 
Long term care facilities should prepare to manage potential flu outbreaks and double efforts to encourage residents and staff to take the influenza vaccine. Individuals 65 years or older are one of the high risk groups who can experience serious complications, even death, from influenza infection. Learn more on how to minimize the flu for residents.​ ​
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Active Shooter Preparedness​
HealthCap® offers a free webinar that focuses on key aspects of active shooter events and what to do if your long term care community experiences a threat or real-life active shooter.

 

 

 

Public Health Emergency Waivers for Providers Impacted by California Wildfireshttps://www.ahcancal.org/News-and-Communications/Blog/Pages/Public-Health-Emergency-Waivers-for-Providers-Impacted-by-California-Wildfires-.aspxPublic Health Emergency Waivers for Providers Impacted by California Wildfires1/15/2025 5:00:00 AM​<span data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11pt;">The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary has used Public Health Service Act authorities to </span><a href="https://aspr.hhs.gov/legal/PHE/Pages/CA-Wildfires-Jan2025.aspx" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" style="font-size:11pt;"><span data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US"><span data-ccp-charstyle="Hyperlink">declare</span></span></a><span data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11pt;"> a public health emergency (PHE) as a result of the consequences of wildfires and straight-line winds on the State of California on January 10.  This declaration gives the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) the ability to issue regulatory flexibilities and waivers under Sections 1135 and 1812(f) of the Social Security Act to support providers and beneficiaries in the State of California.  These flexibilities and waivers are effective retrospectively since January 7, 2025 and are listed in the CMS </span><a href="https://www.cms.gov/about-cms/what-we-do/emergency-response/current-emergencies" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" style="font-size:11pt;"><span data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US"><span data-ccp-charstyle="Hyperlink">Current Emergencies</span></span></a><span data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11pt;"> webpage. </span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335557856":16777215,"335559738":240,"335559739":240,"335559740":240}" style="font-size:11pt;"> </span><div><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335557856":16777215,"335559738":240,"335559739":240,"335559740":240}"><br></span></div><div><span data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US">Key </span><a href="https://edit.cms.gov/files/document/2025-southern-ca-wildfires-waiver-list-01-12-25.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083"><span data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US"><span data-ccp-charstyle="Hyperlink">blanket </span><span data-ccp-charstyle="Hyperlink">waivers</span></span></a><span data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US"> impacting AHCA/NCAL members and their residents in the impacted areas that do not require an individual waiver request by the provider include:</span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335557856":16777215,"335559738":240,"335559739":240,"335559740":240}"> </span></div><div><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335557856":16777215,"335559738":240,"335559739":240,"335559740":240}"><br></span></div><div><ul role="list"><li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="2" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1" role="listitem"><span data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US">Reporting Minimum Data Set (MDS)</span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335557856":16777215,"335559738":240,"335559739":240,"335559740":240}"> </span></li></ul></div><div><ul role="list"><li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="2" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-posinset="2" data-aria-level="1" role="listitem"><span data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US">Waive Pre-Admission Screening and Annual Resident Review (PASARR)</span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335557856":16777215,"335559738":240,"335559739":240,"335559740":240}"> </span></li></ul></div><div><ul role="list"><li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="2" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-posinset="3" data-aria-level="1" role="listitem"><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US">3-Day Prior Hospitalization</span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335557856":16777215,"335559738":240,"335559739":240,"335559740":240}"> </span></li></ul></div><div><ul role="list"><li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="2" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-posinset="4" data-aria-level="1" role="listitem"><span data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US">Physician Visits in Skilled Nursing Facilities/Nursing Facilities</span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335557856":16777215,"335559738":240,"335559739":240,"335559740":240}"> </span></li></ul></div><div><ul role="list"><li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="2" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-posinset="5" data-aria-level="1" role="listitem"><span data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US">Physical Environment</span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335557856":16777215,"335559738":240,"335559739":240,"335559740":240}"> </span></li></ul></div><div><ul role="list"><li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="2" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-posinset="6" data-aria-level="1" role="listitem"><span data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US">Staffing Flexibilities for ID/DD residences</span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335557856":16777215,"335559738":240,"335559739":240,"335559740":240}"> </span></li></ul></div><div><span data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US">If a provider needs flexibilities not listed on the blanket waivers document, the CMS </span><a href="https://www.cms.gov/about-cms/what-we-do/emergency-response/current-emergencies" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083"><span data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US"><span data-ccp-charstyle="Hyperlink">Current Emergencies</span></span></a><span data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US"> webpage provides links to guide providers on how to apply.</span></div><div><span data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US"> </span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335557856":16777215,"335559738":240,"335559739":240,"335559740":240}"> </span></div><div><span data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US">The waivers are effective for 90 days unless the HHS Secretary declares an extension of the local PHE.  </span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335557856":16777215,"335559738":240,"335559739":240,"335559740":240}"> ​​</span></div>The U.S. Department of HHS Secretary has used Public Health Service Act authorities to declare a public health emergency as a result of the consequences of wildfires and straight-line winds on the State of California on Jan 10.
Disaster Response and Recovery – Collaborating Through Mutual Aid Planshttps://www.ahcancal.org/News-and-Communications/Blog/Pages/Disaster-Response-and-Recovery-–-Collaborating-Through-Mutual-Aid-Plans-.aspxDisaster Response and Recovery – Collaborating Through Mutual Aid Plans12/30/2024 5:00:00 AM<p></p><div>Long Term Care Mutual Aid Plans (MAP) are collaborative networks of providers that maintain voluntary agreements to support each other before, during, and after a disaster. These formalized partnerships can provide a facility needing assistance with various resources such as supplies, equipment, personnel, pharmaceuticals, transportation, or even evacuation destinations when a disaster overwhelms their community or exceeds the capability of their own internal emergency preparedness program.          </div><div><br></div><div><span style="font-size:11pt;">While MAPs are primarily made up of long </span><span style="font-size:11pt;">term care providers, they often include other collaborative partners, including various health care organizations, governmental organizations, and community groups.</span><span style="font-size:11pt;"> After natural catastrophes, such as hurricanes, MAPs can provide critical support, helping affected facilities to recover, reopen, and provide e</span><span style="font-size:11pt;">ssential care to their residents.   </span></div><div><br></div><div><span style="font-size:11pt;">The key to an effective MAP is establishing the partnership before disaster strikes. MAP groups can start small. In many cases, corporate entities are structured as a MAP, where facilities under the same ownership are positioned to support each other. However, more robust plans will include facilities from different entities. </span><span style="font-size:11pt;">Participants are typically linked by geography (e.g., a town, county or region), sometimes expanding to statewide or cross-state groups. </span><span style="font-size:11pt;">MAP plans, and the associated agreements to support each other work best when documented and formally agreed to by the participants.    </span></div><div><br></div><div><span style="font-size:11pt;">A natural path to develop a MAP is through an established Health Care Coalition. <a href="https://asprtracie.hhs.gov/hcc-resources" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank">Health Care Coalitions</a> are increasingly tasked to include all levels of the health care continuum of care. A long term care subset of these coalition members can work to address disaster support, often serving as the incipient phase of MAP development.   </span></div><div><br></div><div><span style="font-size:11pt;">MAP agreements should clearly define roles, responsibilities, and expectations, including protocols for resource sharing, reimbursement, and liability. Comprehensive Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) should be developed and signed by all participating facilities.  It is important that MAPs partner with local emergency management agencies and public health officials to ensure alignment with their disaster response plans and protocols. Effective MAPs will conduct regular training and exercises. Exercises are key to educating, testing, and ensuring the MAP’s effectiveness. Exercises should include, but not be limited to, scenarios that focus on both shelter in place and evacuation. </span></div><div><br></div><div><span style="font-size:11pt;">Collaborating with other providers through a MAP is an effective resource to complement your organization’s emergency preparedness program. Partnerships such as MAPs can mitigate the impact of a disaster, ensure continuity of operations, and support rapid recovery. Some AHCA/NCAL members participate in well-organized MAPs in various regions of the country. For more information on MAPs, email <a href="mailto:emergencyprep@ahca.org" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank">emergencyprep@ahca.org</a> or reach out to your state affiliate.</span></div><p>​</p>Long Term Care Mutual Aid Plans are collaborative networks of providers that maintain voluntary agreements to support each other before, during, and after a disaster.
ACL Webinar on Addressing the Needs of Older Adults and People with Disabilities During Extreme Winter Weatherhttps://www.ahcancal.org/News-and-Communications/Blog/Pages/ACL-Webinar-on-Addressing-the-Needs-of-Older-Adults-and-People-with-Disabilities-During-Extreme-Winter-Weather.aspxACL Webinar on Addressing the Needs of Older Adults and People with Disabilities During Extreme Winter Weather11/19/2024 5:00:00 AM<p>​​<span data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11pt;">​Join the Administration for Community Living (ACL) for a webinar on the significant impact of extreme winter weather on older adults and people with disabilities, and the need for inclusive preparedness, response, and recovery measures. The webinar will take place on Wednesday, November 20, 2024, from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. ET.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":0,"335557856":16777215,"335559738":0,"335559739":0,"335559740":240}" style="font-size:11pt;"> </span></p><div><span data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US">During this webinar, attendees will hear from an expert panel, including representatives from the disability and aging networks at the national, state, and regional levels. The discussion will highlight the importance of accessible resources, evacuation planning, and strategies to ensure that critical services are available and inclusive before, during, and after extreme winter events.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":0,"335557856":16777215,"335559738":0,"335559739":0,"335559740":240}"> </span></div><div><span data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US"></span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":0,"335557856":16777215,"335559738":0,"335559739":0,"335559740":240}"> </span></div><div><span data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US">Extreme winter weather disproportionately impacts older adults and individuals with disabilities due to factors related to health, mobility, and access to resources. Chronic health conditions such as diabetes or thyroid problems, which affect the heart or blood flow, can impair the body’s ability to stay warm. Additionally, medications for common conditions may have the same effect.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":0,"335557856":16777215,"335559738":0,"335559739":0,"335559740":240}"> </span></div><div><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":0,"335557856":16777215,"335559738":0,"335559739":0,"335559740":240}"><br></span></div><div><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":0,"335557856":16777215,"335559738":0,"335559739":0,"335559740":240}"><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="color:#555555;background-color:#ffffff;"><strong>Register for the webinar </strong></span><a href="https://hhsgov.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_4tT4dPA7RO2TgFybA4A1mg#/registration" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" style="background-color:#ffffff;"><span data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US"><strong>here</strong></span></a><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="color:#555555;background-color:#ffffff;"><strong>.</strong></span><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="color:#555555;background-color:#ffffff;">  </span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559740":240}" style="color:#555555;background-color:#ffffff;"> </span><br></span></div><div><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":0,"335557856":16777215,"335559738":0,"335559739":0,"335559740":240}"><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US">A Q&A session will follow the panelists' presentations.​​</span> </span></div>Join the ACL for a webinar on the significant impact of extreme winter weather on older adults and people with disabilities
Engaging Community Partners to Support Disaster Recoveryhttps://www.ahcancal.org/News-and-Communications/Blog/Pages/Engaging-Community-Partners-to-Support-Disaster-Recovery.aspxEngaging Community Partners to Support Disaster Recovery11/19/2024 5:00:00 AM<p>​<span data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11pt;">​Natural disasters, such as hurricanes, can have devastating impacts on communities, especially for vulnerable populations such as the elderly. Long term care (LTC) organizations play a critical role in managing the health and safety of these populations during and after such events. However, the recovery process is complex and difficult to tackle alone. By actively engaging with various stakeholders, LTC organizations can significantly enhance healthcare recovery efforts.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":0,"335557856":16777215,"335559738":300,"335559739":0,"335559740":240}" style="font-size:11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:11pt;"> </span></p><div><span data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US">In the aftermath of a natural disaster, LTC organizations often face challenges such as structural damage, displacement of residents, staff shortages, and disrupted access to critical resources like medications and medical equipment. Engaging community partners is a crucial component of navigating the complex recovery process. Such partnerships help to address resource gaps, coordinate care, and ensure that recovery efforts are integrated with broader community needs.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":0,"335557856":16777215,"335559738":0,"335559739":0,"335559740":240}"> </span></div><div><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":0,"335557856":16777215,"335559738":0,"335559739":0,"335559740":240}"><br></span></div><div><span data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US">Key community partners include local health departments, emergency management agencies, non-profit organizations, local businesses, faith-based organizations, community-based organizations, and hospitals. Together, they can create a network of support that enhances the continuity of care and overall resilience. A closer look at the role of each of these groups in disaster relief includes:</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":0,"335557856":16777215,"335559738":0,"335559739":300,"335559740":240}"> </span></div><div><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":0,"335557856":16777215,"335559738":0,"335559739":300,"335559740":240}"><br></span></div><div><ul role="list"><li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="3" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1" role="listitem"><span data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US"><strong>Local Health Departments:</strong></span><strong> </strong><br><span data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US">Local health departments provide crucial guidance, resources, and access to medical supplies. During disaster recovery, they help coordinate efforts to prevent outbreaks of infectious diseases, ensure the safe disposal of medical waste, and facilitate vaccination campaigns if needed.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":0,"335557856":16777215,"335559738":220,"335559739":220,"335559740":240}"> </span></li></ul></div><div><ul role="list"><li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="3" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-posinset="2" data-aria-level="1" role="listitem"><span data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US"><strong>Emergency Management Agencies (EMAs):</strong></span><br><span data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US">EMAs provide logistical support, coordinate evacuations, and manage temporary shelters. They can assist with resources like generators, emergency transportation, and shelter supplies. Organizations should work closely with EMAs before a natural disaster strikes to ensure their emergency response plans are integrated with the community disaster management strategy.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":0,"335557856":16777215,"335559738":220,"335559739":220,"335559740":240}"> </span></li></ul></div><div><ul role="list"><li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="3" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-posinset="3" data-aria-level="1" role="listitem"><span data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US"><strong>Non-Profit Organizations and Volunteer Groups:</strong></span><br><span data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US">Non-profits and volunteer groups, such as the American Red Cross, offer manpower, financial aid, and essential supplies. They can assist in securing food, water, hygiene kits, and other necessary items for residents. Additionally, volunteer medical professionals, like the Medical Reserve Corps, may be mobilized to provide temporary support to facilities facing staff shortages.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":0,"335557856":16777215,"335559738":220,"335559739":220,"335559740":240}"> </span></li></ul></div><div><ul role="list"><li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="3" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-posinset="4" data-aria-level="1" role="listitem"><span data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US"><strong>Key Suppliers and Vendors:</strong></span><br><span data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US">Suppliers and vendors, especially pharmacies, grocery stores, and transportation companies, can be valuable partners in recovery efforts. Establishing relationships and partnerships can expedite access to key resources for residents and staff in the aftermath of a disaster, especially when traditional delivery methods are compromised. Transportation companies may also provide emergency transport for staff or residents when roads are impassable, or traditional services are unavailable.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":0,"335557856":16777215,"335559738":220,"335559739":220,"335559740":240}"> </span></li></ul></div><div><ul role="list"><li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="3" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-posinset="5" data-aria-level="1" role="listitem"><span data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US"><strong>Faith-Based Organizations and Local Community Groups:</strong></span><strong> </strong><br><span data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US">Faith-based organizations and local community groups are often among the first to mobilize after a disaster, offering shelter, meals, and community support. They play an important role in addressing social and emotional needs, providing a sense of connection and normalcy for residents. Organizations can partner with these groups to establish temporary shelters or offer spiritual support to residents and staff.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":0,"335557856":16777215,"335559738":220,"335559739":220,"335559740":240}"> </span></li></ul></div><div><ul role="list"><li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="3" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-posinset="6" data-aria-level="1" role="listitem"><span data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US"><strong>Community-Based Organizations:</strong></span><br><span data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US">Community-based organizations may provide mental health support, which is crucial during the aftermath of a disaster. Residents and staff may experience heightened stress, anxiety, and trauma. Non-profits with counseling and mental health expertise can help organizations address these needs, contributing to a more holistic recovery process.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":0,"335557856":16777215,"335559738":220,"335559739":220,"335559740":240}"> </span></li></ul></div><div><ul role="list"><li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="3" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-posinset="7" data-aria-level="1" role="listitem"><span data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US"><strong>Hospitals and Medical Providers:</strong></span><br><span data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US">Hospitals and medical providers are essential partners. A key opportunity for cultivating these relationships is through participation in regional Healthcare Coalitions (HCCs). These coalitions work to prepare healthcare organizations to respond to emergencies and disasters and increase local and regional resilience. The HCC structure typically brings together diverse healthcare organizations to coordinate efforts before, during, and after emergencies. HCCs collaborate with stakeholders to ensure the community has the necessary medical equipment and supplies, real-time information, communication systems, and trained personnel to respond effectively. This collaborative approach enhances coordination in patient care and helps manage the flow of patients between hospitals and LTC organizations, preventing healthcare systems from being overwhelmed.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":0,"335557856":16777215,"335559738":220,"335559739":220,"335559740":240}"> </span></li></ul></div><div><span data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US">Natural disasters pose serious challenges to long term care organizations, but engaging community partners can transform the recovery process into a coordinated, efficient effort that better serves residents and staff. Proactive engagement with community partners improves immediate recovery efforts and strengthens an organization’s overall disaster preparedness. Such partnerships create a robust network of support, enabling facilities to enhance their resilience and navigate the complexities of recovery. Ultimately, this ensures the vulnerable populations they serve receive the care and resources they need to recover after a natural disaster.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":0,"335557856":16777215,"335559738":300,"335559739":0,"335559740":240}"> </span></div>By actively engaging with various stakeholders, LTC organizations can significantly enhance healthcare recovery efforts.

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 Top Resources

 Planning Ahead

​In order to effectively handle disasters and emergencies, it is important for centers to plan ahead and prepare in advance. Long term and post-acute care centers can use a targeted approach to addressing vulnerabilities and hazards to help them best respond to and recover from events. This site seeks to assist centers in creating a plan to address its greatest risks:
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Hazard Vulnerability Assessment
The Hazard Vulnerability Assessment (HVA) is a tool designed to assist centers in evaluating vulnerability to specific hazards. The tool uses various categories, such as probability of experiencing a hazard, human impact, property and business impact and response, to create a numeric value based on various hazards.

 Incident Command System

The Incident Command System is part of the emergency management system in many levels (federal, state, and local). Every significant incident or event, whether large or small, and whether it is even defined as an emergency, requires certain management functions to be performed.

The Nursing Home Incident Command System (NHICS) and Assisted Living Incident Command System (ALICS) outline a management framework that empowers long-term care staff to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of their incident response -- no matter what shift, or what day of the week the event occurs. ​​

Resources


 

 ‭(Hidden)‬ CMS Emergency Preparedness Rule

The Emergency Preparedness Final Rule was released on Friday, September 16, 2016. AHCA, along with guest speakers, will hold a webinar series event​ this year on the new emergency preparedness final rule impacting Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNF), Nursing Facilities (NF) and Intermediate Care Facilities for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities (ICF/IID). This final rule is not applicable to Assisted Living Providers. 

Providers will need to be in compliance by November 15th 2017. The webinar series will include, special guest speakers, an overview of the key new requirements, a list of tools to assess if you are prepared for the rule, steps to take now to prepare.

On Friday, September 1st, CMS released a memorand​um to State Survey Agency Directors announcing that the Emergency Preparedness Training is now available. All surveyors are required to take the training prior to surveying the Emergency Preparedness requirements. Surveying for requirements begins November 15th, 2017. 

The online course is now available on the Surveyor Training Website On-Demand. Once in the course catalog for provider training, search “emergency” and the course information will appear. Providers will have continued (ongoing) access to the course, so they can review it anytime.

Members are strongly encouraged to review and complete the training as it includes quizzes and exercises to check understanding. The training states to surveyors that the requirements do not prescribe or mandate specific technology or tools nor detailed requirements for how facilities should write emergency plans. The training includes the questions surveyors will ask and how documentation will be reviewed and checked. Links to resources and glossary terms are also included.​

​Emergency Resources

In addition to planning for natural disasters, staff and facilities must be prepared for other emergencies, such as pandemics, influenza, active shooters and more. All emergency situations must be handled swiftly, diligently and with the utmost care for staff and patients.

 Active Shooter

​While many emergencies are caused by natural disasters and are, staff and facilities should also be prepared for other types of emergencies. One emergency for which facilities should have plans in place is an active shooter.
Please note: The policies below are models only and should be modified and tailored to meet the needs of individual communities. 

 
AHCA/NCAL's Active Shooter Resources
External Resources

 Assisted Living Resources

The Emergency Preparedness Guide for Assisted Living is a comprehensive resource that will assist members with developing emergency operations plan and includes the planning process. The guide includes templates and numerous resources for members to utilize.

 

Assisted Living Incident Command System (ALICS)

The Incident Command System (ICS) is one component of the National Incident Management System or (NIMS). The Assisted Living Incident Command System or “ALICS” is a simplified ICS and through its use, long-term care providers can become part of this standardized system of efficient response. ICS was modified by two consultants for assisted living and reviewed by AALNA board members and then reviewed by the NCAL Workgroup of the AHCA/NCAL Emergency Preparedness Committee.

ALICS offers long-term care providers a flexible framework for command and control that is based on the standardized system of ICS. It does this through a system that is designed to:
  • Manage all emergency, routine, or planned events, of any size or type, by establishing a clear chain of command and a process for communication, decision‐making and delegation.
  • Allow personnel from different agencies or departments to be integrated into a common structure that can effectively address issues and delegate responsibilities.
  • Provide needed logistical and administrative support to operational personnel.​

 Shelter In Place

Shelter In Place: Planning Resource Guide for Nursing Homes

For the purposes of this resource guide, shelter in place (SIP) is defined as: A protective action strategy taken to maintain resident care in the facility and to limit the movement of residents, staff and visitors in order to protect people and property from a hazard.

Shelter In Place Guidebook (PDF)

 State Resources

Wisconsin

 Winter Weather

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention published a comprehensive winter weather health and safety site. Owners and administrators can take tips to prepare for extreme cold conditions and winter storms.​

 In Case of An Emergency

AHCA/NCAL regularly publishes and distributes informative documents for members regarding emergency preparedness, response, and recovery.

During public health emergencies, CMS will post updates on waivers on their Emergency Response and Recovery page. Members should check this page for updates during an event.