Long-Term Care

Developing a disaster plan: It’s all in the details

PPS Alert for Long-Term Care, October 1, 2009

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All SNFs should have a comprehensive disaster plan in place, and with hurricane season in full swing and winter just around the corner, now is a good time for facilities to revisit their plans and ensure that staff members are prepared for all potential emergency situations.
The federal regulations for disaster planning in SNFs require facilities to “have detailed written plans and procedures to meet all potential emergencies and disasters” and “train employees in emergency procedures when they begin work in the facility, periodically review the procedures with current staff, and carry out unannounced staff drills using those procedures.”
Although facilities must also meet state requirements and those related specifically to fire safety, known as the National Fire Protection Association’s Life Safety Code®, the federal regulations for disaster planning and training in SNFs are somewhat vague, leaving the details of what should be included in disaster plans up to individual facilities.

This is an excerpt from a member only article. To read the article in its entirety, please login or subscribe to PPS Alert for Long-Term Care.

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