REGULATORY

Long-term care providers must have a detailed written Emergency Operations Plan (EOP).  The EOP should include provisions for each type of emergency  (Hint: this is much easier to do after conducting a Hazard and Vulnerability Assessment which will help you understand the probability of the risks involved for each type of disaster to your facility and location).  Remember, the facility bears the ultimate responsibility for the safety of its residents.


California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Licensed Facilities
CDPH Licensing and Certification unit will reinforce state and federal regulations and statutes and will review your emergency operations plan, drill, and staff training.  This plan will be reviewed annually and should be developed "with advice and assistance of county or regional local planning office" [T2272551(a)].  Life Safety Code Unit, Health Facility Evaluators, and Dietary Consultants all play a role.  For more information, see the CDPH's information listed below. 

CMS Memo to Flex In-Network Care Provision & Good Faith Medical Care Provision in a Disaster (pdf)
CDPH Required External Disaster Plan Elements (pdf)
CDPH Letter on Regulatory Requirement to Report Disasters (pdf)
CDPH's Disaster Plan Tool for Skilled Nursing Facilities (pdf)
Medical Records in an Evacuation Guidance from CDPH (pdf)


California Department of Social Services (DSS) / Community Care Licensing & Certification Facilities
DSS-Community Care Licensing and Certification will enforce state regulations and statutes and will review your EOP, drills and staff training.  You must also review the Disaster and Mass Casualty Plan LIC#610D prior to licensure and annually, review staff training plans and knowledge of plan, review medications and medical supplies to be self-reliant for 72-hours.  Click here for more information.