Emergency Preparedness Final Rule Takes Effect this Month

The Emergency Preparedness Final Rule, released September 16, 2016, impacts skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) and intermediate care facilities for individuals with intellectual disabilities (ICF/IIDs), but does not apply to assisted living providers.  Providers will need to comply with the final rule by November 15, 2017.  In June 2017, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services released the Emergency Preparedness Interpretive Guidance (IG).  AHCA members are highly encouraged to look through the guidance.  Click here for a summary AHCA put together of the IG for your use.  CMS also released the surveyor training to providers, more information can be found in this September memo.  In addition, AHCA has an Emergency Preparedness Final Rule Webinar Series.  Be sure to register for the final webinar in the series, which will be held November 21^st from 2- 3pm ET.  Finally, the AHCA Bookstore has added new resources for the rule, to access the bookstore please click here.  Please contact Erin Prendergast (SNF Providers) or Dana Halvorson (ICF/IID Providers) with any questions.