The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services published a proposed rule Dec. 27 that would establish emergency preparedness conditions of participation for 17 provider and supplier types, including hospitals, nursing homes, home health and hospice agencies, PACE organizations, end-stage renal disease facilities, ambulatory surgery services, comprehensive outpatient rehabilitation facilities, FQHCs and organ procurement organizations.

The proposed rule would require participating providers and suppliers to meet four standards which include developing and maintaining:

• an emergency plan based on a risk assessment and using an all-hazards approach focusing on capacities and capabilities
• policies and procedures based on the plan and risk assessment
• a communication plan to coordinate patient care within the facility, across healthcare providers and with state and local public health departments and emergency systems
• training and testing programs, including initial and annual trainings, conducting drills and exercises or participating in an actual incident that tests the plan.

Within these broad standards, CMS is proposing variations that are based on existing statutory and regulatory policies and differing needs of providers and suppliers and the individuals to whom they provide services.

Comments are due to CMS no later than Feb. 25 and can be submitted electronically via www.regulations.gov.