CMS finalizes new rule to strengthen emergency preparedness for facilities participating in Medicare and Medicaid

The Centers for Medical and Medicaid Services (CMS) finalized a rule on Thursday to establish consistent emergency preparedness requirements for health care providers participating in Medicare and Medicaid.

The new rule stems from recent natural and man-made disasters that have affected the health and safety of Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries over the past several years. The new rule will require certain participating providers and suppliers to plan for disasters and coordinate with federal, state, tribal, regional and local emergency preparedness systems to make sure facilities are prepared to meet the needs of their patients.

The new rule also includes provisions for increased patient safety during emergencies and establishes a more coordinated response to natural and man-made disasters. Additionally, it requires providers and suppliers to meet well-known practices regarding emergency plans, policies and procedures, communication plans, and training and testing programs. Further, CMS removed the requirement for additional hours of generator testing and gave flexibility to choose the type of exercise a facility conducts for testing requirements.

“Situations like the recent flooding in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, remind us that in the event of an emergency, the first priority of health care providers and suppliers is to protect the health and safety of their patients,” Dr. Patrick Conway, deputy administrator and chief medical officer for CMS, said. “Preparation, planning, and one comprehensive approach for emergency preparedness is key. One life lost is one too many.”

The new regulations will be effective 60 days after publication in the Federal Register.