Affected providers/supplies must develop an emergency plan based on a risk assessment and using an “all-hazards” approach, which will provide an integrated system for emergency planning that focuses on capacities and capabilities.

• ASPR TRACIE Topic Collection: Emergency Operations Plans/ Emergency Management Program This site is maintained by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and contains many resources for developing an Emergency Operation Plan. 
• Frederick County Hazard Mitigation Plan An "all-hazards" approach to emergency planning is best practice. However, understanding what hazards are most likely to occur in your area can be beneficial and will help with your facility risk assessment.
  
• Risk Assessment Template Editable Microsoft Excel template courtesy of Kaiser Permanente and the Central Maine Regional Healthcare Coalition.
• The Federal Emergency Management Agency offers free online independent study courses through the Emergency Management Institute. Recommended courses include:

IS-100.B: Introduction to Incident Command System

IS-100.HCB: Introduction to the Incident Command System for Healthcare/Hospitals

IS-200.B: ICS for Single Resources and Initial Action Incidents

IS-200.HCA: Applying ICS to Healthcare Organizations

IS-700.A: National Incident Management System (NIMS) An Introduction

IS-800.B: National Response Framework, An Introduction

Tip - Plans Versus Procedures

The distinction between plans and procedures can be confusing. One way to determine what is part of an Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) is to ask the question "what does the entire audience of this EOP need to know?". Specific details and instructions for individuals or groups are typically part of the procedures often known as SOPs or Standard Operating Procedures. SOPs can be an annex to the EOP or referenced. For example, an EOP that assigns responsibility for putting out fires to the fire department would not detail what should be done at the scene or what fire equipment is most appropriate. Those details would be part of the fire department's SOP's. 

Provider/suppliers are required to develop and implement policies and procedures based on the emergency plan and risk assessment that are reviewed and updated at least annually. For hospitals, Critical Access Hospitals (CAHs), and Long-Term Care (LTC) facilities, the policies and procedures must address the provision of subsistence needs, such as food, water and medical supplies, for staff and residents, whether they evacuate or shelter in place. Policies and procedures are the who, what, where, when, and how that complement your Emergency Operations Plan.

• CMS Emergency Preparedness Rule Toolkits The Wisconsin Department of Health Services developed toolkits that provide facilities that fall under the new rule an overview of the requirements for their provider type, as well as some sample templates that can be used in their planning efforts. In topic areas where there was not a tool or template readily available, the toolkit offers planning worksheets that feature a list of example questions to help facilities think through relevant issues that can help them draft their plans and policies. Toolkits exist for: Ambulatory Surgery Centers; End State Renal Disease Facilities (Dialysis); Intermediate Care Facilities for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities (ICF/IID); Long Term Care: Skilled Nursing Facilities; Home Health Agencies; Hospices; Hospitals; Rural Health Clinics (RHCs) and Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs); and Clinics, Rehabilitation Agencies, and Public Health Agencies as Providers of Outpatient Physical Therapy and Speech-Language Pathology Services.

Tip - Policy vs Procedure

Policy—Go from Point “A” to Point “B”.

Procedure—Begin at Point “A” go to Point “B” by doing x, then y, then z.

Providers/supplies must develop and maintain an emergency preparedness communication plan that complies with federal, state and local laws. Patient care must be coordinated within the facility, across healthcare providers, and with state and local public health departments and emergency management systems to protect patient health and safety in the event of a disaster. Consider and plan for how and what you will communicate with employees, suppliers, providers, patients, families, and others before, during and after an emergency.

• ASPR TRACIE Technical Resources/ Communications This site is maintained by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and contains many resources for developing a Communication Plan.
•  Health Care Emergency Communication Plan Central and West Central Minnesota Healthcare Coalitions has created a PowerPoint outlining CMS's requirements for a communication plan including special considerations healthcare facilities must be aware of particularly in regards to HIPAA.
  

Providers/Suppliers must develop and maintain training and testing programs, including initial training in policies and procedures. Facility staff will have to demonstrate knowledge of emergency procedures and provide training at least annually. Facilities must conduct drills and exercises to test the emergency plan or demonstrate activation of the plan in an actual incident that tests the plan.

Currently, there are no exercises sponsored by the Division of Emergency Management or Health Department to help you meet this requirement. Should one become available, it will be posted here.

The following resources may help you meet the testing and training component of the CMS rule:

• Tabletop Exercise Template This template offers an easy starting point for developing a table-top exercise for your facility. It is intentionally generic, allowing you to customize to meet your needs.
• Safe Evacuation Tabletop Exercise This comprehensive tabletop exercise was developed by the California Association of Health Facilities Disaster Preparedness Program. Remember, you can always add or remove components to meet your facility's needs.