September is National Preparedness Month

Dana Halvorson and Erin Prendergast

September 2017 marks, among other observances, National Preparedness Month.  National Preparedness Month will focus on planning, with an overarching theme “Disasters Don’t Plan Ahead. You Can.” The goal of this month is to increase the overall number of individuals, families, and communities that engage in preparedness actions at home, work, businesses, school, and places of worship.  That being said, it is important to note that Emergency Preparedness Final Rule was released on Friday, September 16, 2016.  The rule impacts skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) and intermediate care facilities for individuals with intellectual disabilities (ICF/IIDs), but does not apply to assisted living providers. 

On June 2, 2017, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services released the Emergency Preparedness Interpretive Guidance (IG), which can be found here.  AHCA members are highly encouraged to look through the IG.  Providers will need to comply with the final rule by November 2017.  Click here for a summary AHCA put together of the IG for your use.  Finally, AHCA has an Emergency Preparedness Final Rule Webinar Series that can be found here.  Please contact Erin Prendergast (SNF Providers) or Dana Halvorson (ICF/IID Providers) with any questions.