The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has answered frequently asked questions (FAQs) about a final rule that sets national requirements to ensure Medicare and Medicaid participating providers and suppliers are prepared for natural and man-made disasters and public health emergencies.
The final rule, released in September, outlines provisions for risk assessment and emergency planning; policies and procedures, including subsistence needs and tracking of patients and staff; communication plans; training and testing; standby power and emergency generators; and technical assistance.
The CMS FAQ provides guidance to surveyors, providers, and suppliers related to survey process and documentation requirements, transfer agreements, and more.
In September, CMS also extended the implementation for the emergency preparedness requirements to one year after the effective date of the final rule — by Nov. 15, 2017. CMS expects to release interpretive guidance on the rule in spring 2017.
Additional questions about the final rule can be sent to SCGEmergencyPrep@cms.hhs.gov. For other questions, contact Director of Policy Erin O’Malley at eomalley@essentialhospitals.org or 202.585.0127.
