The new Federal Register posted its final rule for Emergency Preparedness Requirements for Medicare and Medicaid Participating Providers and Suppliers in November 2016, and includes a new Condition for Coverage for Emergency Preparedness.
The Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care reported the Condition for Coverage established a national emergency preparedness standard for both natural and man-made disasters. The new CfC identifier will be added for ASCs at 416.54.
Surveyors who are conducting surveys currently — and as of Nov. 16, 2016 — will examine facilities to determine whether they are taking steps to asses and revise its emergency preparedness program to meet the regulations by Nov. 16, 2017.
The CfC covers:
1. Emergency plan
2. Policies and procedures
3. Communication plan
4. Training and testing
5. Integrated healthcare systems
AAAHC is modifying the AAAHC Standards in Chapter 2.1, 7.11 and 8 to match the CfC language anticipating CMS approval.