September 17, 2012
ADSA: ICF/IID #2012-004
Emergency Preparedness
Dear ICF/IID Superintendent:
Recently the Health and Human Services Inspector General's Office released information related to the lack of facility readiness to protect frail resident in the case of an emergency. Every facility has a defined role and responsibility in the case of an emergency, natural or manmade.
You have a continuing obligation to plan for and meet resident needs in the event of a natural or human-made disaster. This obligation may continue even if residents are evacuated to another location.
In the event of a major disaster, Residential Care Services (RCS) will work with the Governor, Emergency Management Division (EMD) and the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) to establish priorities for responding to a particular disaster situation.
Collaboration with federal agencies will also be important, including the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). CMS has been developing new, heightened expectations of state regulatory agencies and providers over the past several years. We expect this trend to continue.
In addition to existing Emergency Planning Information on the ADSA website at http://www.aasa.dshs.wa.gov/Professional/icfid.htm, two new resources regarding preparing for emergencies and disasters are now available:
- ICF/IID Response to Natural or Human-Made Disaster
- CMS Information and Status Reports
Thank you for your continued commitment to the health and safety of Washington's ICF/IID residents.
Sincerely,
Joyce Pashley Stockwell, Director
Residential Care Services