CMS requires new disaster preparedness standards for healthcare providers

CMS is planning to publish a new set of regulations Sept. 16 that require healthcare providers to comply with new disaster preparedness guidelines.

The new rules will take effect in November and instruct healthcare providers and suppliers to be ready to continue to provide care during and in the wake of emergency events such as natural disasters, terror attacks or pandemics. They are the result of comments on initial rules published in 2013.

The regulations will require healthcare providers to have a basic emergency plan, such as checking the efficacy of backup generators and implementing policies in the event of a disruption in water or other supply cut-off, to coordinate disaster response plans with surrounding community organizations and to demonstrate staff is fully trained in the new procedures.

According to the New York Times, these requirements are a response to the “breakdown” in care seen following Hurricanes Katrina in 2005 and Sandy in 2012, when healthcare facilities were so damaged they were unable to provide care in the face of an emergency.  

The rules provide guidance for 17 different kinds of providers (such as home health workers in addition to hospitals) to prepare to care for existing and new patients during a disaster.

HHS representatives told the Times the regulations are an effort to prepare providers to save lives, but some providers worry the changes are coming too quickly and will be expensive and difficult to implement.

Check out the New York Times to see what healthcare administrators and government officials alike consider the triumphs and challenges of the new regulations.