Resources to Support CAH Emergency Preparedness Regulation

11/17/16  Portland, Ore.

The Federal Office of Rural Health Policy shared information that critical access hospitals (CAHs), as well as 16 other health care provider types, must meet emergency preparedness regulation requirements.

The Federal Office of Rural Health Policy shared information that critical access hospitals (CAHs), as well as 16 other health care provider types, must meet emergency preparedness regulation requirements. Per the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) website:

On September 8, 2016, the Federal Register posted the final rule Emergency Preparedness Requirements for Medicare and Medicaid Participating Providers and Suppliers. The regulation goes into effect on November 16, 2016. Health care providers and suppliers affected by this rule must comply and implement all regulations one year after the effective date, on November 16, 2017.

Purpose: To establish national emergency preparedness requirements to ensure adequate planning for both natural and man-made disasters, and coordination with federal, state, tribal, regional and local emergency preparedness systems. The following information will apply upon publication of the final rule:

  • Requirements will apply to all 17 provider and supplier types.
  • Each provider and supplier will have its own set of Emergency Preparedness regulations incorporated into its set of conditions or requirements for certification.
  • Must be in compliance with Emergency Preparedness regulations to participate in the Medicare or Medicaid program. The below downloadable sections will provide additional information, such as the background and overview of the final rule and related resources.

Numerous resources exist to support the regulation, including guidance for surveyors:

List of 17 Provider Types included in Regulation

Table of Requirements by Provider Type, including CAHs

Example Facility Transfer Agreement

FAQs for Surveyors

Numerous other resources to assist health care providers to implement such resources:

Please contact Stacie Rothwell, Field Services Program Manager, (971) 235-3978, , with additional questions.