DOH Making Changes to Home Care and Hospice Emergency Preparedness Surveys
LeadingAge New York and several other home care and hospice associations provided feedback to the Department of Health (DOH) on several revised emergency preparedness survey documents. DOH explained the purpose of these surveys are to be used at different times during an emergency event. It will provide DOH much needed information on home care agency’s census, priority levels, needs, evacuation status, repatriation status and etc. This will help to effectively manage emergency events. It contains five different forms that can be issued separately and at different points during the emergency:
2) capacity
3) evacuation
4) repatriation
5) abbreviated emergency response provider survey.
They also reviewed a form for completion by hospice providers to determine the status and extent of the emergency preparedness planning. DOH has asked LeadingAge New York to share the forms with members and solicit their feedback.
DOH has also requested feedback on a draft Dear Administrator Letter that will be sent with the forms. They stressed the importance of providers reviewing who are the required contact persons and their roles in the Health Commerce System (HCS). They mentioned this is the most frequent cited deficiency upon surveillance.
DOH plans an HCS emergency preparedness drill in early 2016. All of the associations thought it would be helpful for DOH to conduct a webinar to help walk providers through the various forms and provide a venue for members to ask their questions after having an understanding of the five forms.
Contact: Cheryl Udell, cudell@leadingageny.org, 518-867-8871