CMS Emergency Preparedness Basic Surveyor Training Course
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Survey & Certification Group (SCG) developed the Emergency Preparedness Basic Surveyor Training Course to help health and safety and Life Safety Code (LSC) surveyors and reviewers gain proficiency in surveying all affected participating providers and certified suppliers for compliance with their individual emergency preparedness requirements. Because the individual regulations for each provider and supplier type share a majority of standard provisions, this training provides consistent guidance and survey procedures for all provider and supplier types in a single course. To access the training, go to: https://surveyortraining.cms.hhs.gov/pubs/ClassInformation.aspx?cid=0CMSEmPrep_ONL
There will be continued access to the course, so you 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.
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.
The interpretive guidance for the emergency preparedness has been released here.
AHCA has put together the following summary for members.
Emergency Preparedness Overview on Current and New Regulations.
On Friday, September 1st, CMS released a memorandum 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.