LeadingAge NY to Provide Vital Training Sessions

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) had been using the 2000 edition of the Life Safety Code (LSC) to survey for health and safety compliance in nursing homes. However, in November 2016, CMS adopted the provisions of the 2012 edition of the LSC to bring CMS’ requirements more up to date. In addition, the 2012 edition of the National Fire Protection Association's (NFPA) Health Care Facilities Code gives more detailed provisions specific to different types of health care facilities.

There has been little communication from the Department of Health (DOH) regarding the changes to the LSC survey, and there have been only a few training opportunities available for facilities interested in addressing potential compliance issues. Those members surveyed under the 2012 LSC have reported increased citations as a result of the transition to the new requirements.

LeadingAge NY has partnered with The Chazen Companies, a leader in Facility Health, Safety, and Code Services to provide training at six locations around New York State.

In addition to providing guidance around the new LSC requirements, the training will also focus on the CMS requirements for Emergency Preparedness that take effect in November 2017.

Starting in November 2017, all facilities will be required to have an emergency plan that addresses the items related to an all-hazards disaster emergency situation based on a facility risk assessment. The all-hazards approach integrates the planning components of preparedness, response, and recovery in a single plan, with any necessary appendices to address special circumstances or events. It is an emergency preparedness plan that is more comprehensive than what had been previously expected of health care facilities and will be a focus of the nursing home survey. CMS has recently released the State Operations Manual (SOM) on Emergency Preparedness.

In view of the November 2016 LSC changes and the November 2017 Emergency Preparedness requirements, this training offers a unique opportunity for members to avoid potential compliance issues.

Contact: Elliott Frost, efrost@leadingageny.org, 518-867-8832