Providers should take stock of emergency preparations, acknowledging that a disaster is best prepared for well ahead of time. In Texas, long-term care facilities, including assisted living, nursing and intermediate care facilities, hospices and group homes, are responsible for maintaining emergency response plans for the residents in their care.

To verify that providers comply with federal and state requirements, OIG inspectors can review these facilities’ response plans, equipment and staff training. Most facilities were prepared during the most recent inspections, but inspectors found a few common errors. Specifically:

• Not documenting initial employee training on emergency preparedness.
• Not ensuring the emergency preparedness plan identifies how alternate energy sources should be used to maintain the power needs of key systems.
• Failing to maintain a printed copy of the current emergency preparedness plan at each workstation assigned to a personnel supervisor who had responsibilities under the plan.
• Failing to document the required contact information for the state licensing and certification agency in its communication plan.
• Not sharing the emergency preparedness and response plan with residents and residents’ legally authorized representatives.
• Failing to request an annual fire marshal inspection.

Emergency preparedness is vital for care facility residents’ ongoing health and safety during local incidents, like power outages or widespread natural disasters. Providers can find helpful preparedness resources at the DSHS Texas Ready website, including sample plans, disaster supply checklists and more information on preparing for hurricanes and other emergencies.

Preparing for a disaster includes planning for evacuation, transportation, communication, staff responsibilities and continuing resident care and treatment. In an emergency, providers can visit Texas HHS Disaster Services for up-to-date regulatory support for health care facilities, long-term care facilities and special waivers for Medicaid providers and clients as needed.