On September 8, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released the public inspection version of the final rule, "Medicare and Medicaid Programs: Emergency Preparedness Requirements for Medicare and Medicaid Participating Providers and Suppliers." In its accompanying press release, CMS said the new rule is needed because existing requirements are not comprehensive enough and natural and man-made disasters can endanger patients.
Under the rule, healthcare providers must adhere to four best-practice standards: (1) developing an emergency plan, (2) creating a communications plan, (3) developing appropriate policies and procedures, and (4) having a training and testing program. The rule affects conditions of participation for a wide range of providers and suppliers, so healthcare providers would be well advised to review the rule.
This final rule will be officially published in the Federal Register on September 16 and will take effect on November 16, 2016.
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