CMS Emergency Preparedness Rule
DATE/TIME: December 15, 2026 @ 10:00am - 11:00am
DESCRIPTION: This session, presented by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) - Quality, Safety and Oversight Group (QSOG) - Division of Emergency Preparedness and Life Safety Code (DEPLSC), Division of Continuing and Acute Care Providers (DCACP) and ASPR Tracie, will provide an overview of the CMS Emergency Preparedness Rule (42 CFR §482.15) and the Appendix Z interpretive guidance and survey procedures that apply to hospitals. Participants will review the rule's core requirements, how surveyors assess compliance, and how to build and sustain an all-hazards emergency program that protects patients, staff, and operations. Key takeaways and objectives include:
• Policies and Procedures: Identify the policies required to support the emergency plan and the annual review requirement.
• Training and Testing: Summarize staff training and exercise requirements, including documentation.
• Communication Plan: List the required elements of a compliant communication plan.
• Risk Assessment and Planning: Explain how an all-hazards risk assessment informs the emergency plan.
• Deficiencies: Recognize common Appendix Z survey findings and how to respond with a plan of correction.
• Lessons Learned: Use after-action reports to identify gaps and improve readiness.
PRESENTERS:
• Michelle Veach, Health Insurance Specialist
Division of Emergency Preparedness and Life Safety Code (DEPLSC)
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
• Janeeka Martin, BSN, RN, Health Insurance Specialist
Division of Emergency Preparedness and Life Safety Code (DEPLSC)
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
• Kristin Shifflett, Health Insurance Specialist
Division of Continuing & Acute Care Providers (DCACP)
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
• ASPR TRACIE (Pending)
HTC HOST: WR HTC - URMC