October 5, 2016

To help health care providers meet a new federal emergency preparedness rule, Drexel University’s Center for Public Health Readiness and Communication has released a set of emergency planning resources intended specifically for medical practices and health care facilities.

Under a final rule issued by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) last month, all medical providers who participate in Medicare and Medicaid must have adequate emergency preparedness plans. The rule was put in place in light of recent man-made and natural disasters where public health and safety has been at risk. The new requirements aim to ensure that facilities are adequately prepared to meet the needs of their patients during disasters and emergency situations

“The Center for Public Health Readiness and Communication developed materials specifically to help medical practices to comply with this new mandate,” said center director Esther Chernak, MD, MPH, associate research professor of Environmental and Occupational Health at Drexel’s Dornsife School of Public Health. “The resources will help practices to meet the standards and best practices required by CMS. These include guidelines and templates for an ‘all-hazards’ emergency plan, template policies and procedures, an emergency communications plan, and a training and testing program.”

Template plans and planning guidelines are available on the Drexel Center for Public Health Readiness and Communications website. An accompanying instructional webinar series is archived on the Pennsylvania Medical Society website and available for continuing education credit.

Find Template Plans and Guidelines

View Archived Training Sessions