The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Friday issued interpretive guidelines for state survey agencies that will evaluate compliance with new emergency preparedness requirements for hospitals and other providers beginning Nov. 15. The final rule, issued last September, requires health care facilities to conduct risk assessments using an all-hazards approach; develop emergency preparedness plans, policies and procedures, including distinct communications plans; and establish training and testing programs. Hospitals, critical access hospitals and long-term care facilities also must have emergency and standby power systems that reflect their emergency plans. For more on the rule, see the earlier AHA Regulatory Advisory for members or visit the CMS website, which includes a surveyor tool.

Related News Articles

Chairperson's File
Public
The recently enacted One Big Beautiful Bill Act will bring big changes to health care. AHA President and CEO Rick Pollack joined me for a Leadership Dialogue…
Headline
The House Ways and Means Subcommittees on Health and Oversight held a joint hearing today to discuss lessons learned, challenges and opportunities to improve…
Headline
The AHA today expressed support for the Medicare Mental Health Inpatient Equity Act, a bill that would eliminate the 190-day lifetime limit on inpatient…
Headline
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services July 10 announced it will provide resources and flexibilities to health care providers and residents who…
Headline
The AHA July 8 wrote in opposition to the “Patient Access to Higher Quality Health Care Act” (H.R. 4002), which would repeal current law banning the creation…
Headline
The AHA July 3 released the Health Care Plan Accountability Update for the second quarter of 2025. The update covers the latest developments in Medicare…