CMS Updates Health Care Facility Emergency Preparedness Checklist

CMS issued Survey & Certification Memorandum 14-12 along with an updated Emergency Preparedness Checklist (click here for a copy of the memo and updated checklist).  The checklist is a recommended tool by CMS for health facility emergency planning.  The updates include changes to development of evacuation plans, review of emergency plans, and the addition of sections concerning adoption of emergency planning templates and collaboration with local emergency management agencies and healthcare coalitions.  Once the S&C letter is released by CMS with more details, it can be located at https://www.cms.gov/Medicare/Provider-Enrollment-and-Certification/SurveyCertificationGenInfo/Policy-and-Memos-to-States-and-Regions.html.