September is National Preparedness Month. This observance is intended to raise awareness about the importance of preparing for disasters and emergencies, and engaging providers, community-based organization and community residents to create a plan.
According to CMS’ Emergency Preparedness Requirements for Medicare and Medicaid Participating Providers and Suppliers, all 17 provider/supplier types must have an Emergency Preparedness Plan as part of their Conditions of Participation. Additionally, many states require other groups such as community-based organizations to have their own plans or adopt the county-level plan.
The COVID-19 pandemic has reinforced the importance of all organizations having a plan that addresses four core elements:
- Risk Assessment and Emergency Planning
- Communication Plan
- Policies and Procedures
- Training and Testing
Learn More: Access additional information regarding CMS requirements and Emergency Preparedness tools and resources
Request: Take action this September – please complete a brief questionnaire to let us know if you have a plan or would like more education on this important topic. Click the appropriate button below to complete the brief survey.