The Joint Commission updated its emergency management requirements in response to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services emergency preparedness rule, as well as recent natural disasters, acts of violence, and cyberattacks.
The updated standards, effective Nov. 15, apply to deemed status surveys for hospitals, ambulatory care, home health, and hospice settings. Updated standards also will extend to rural health clinics and federally qualified health centers.
New elements of performance required for compliance include:
- documented collaboration with local, state, regional, and tribal emergency management officials;
- established continuity of operation and succession plans; and
- annual training of all staff, contractors, and volunteers.
Specific standards for each health care setting are published on The Joint Commission website.
Contact Director of Policy Erin O’Malley at eomalley@essentialhospitals.org or 202.585.0127 with additional questions.
