CMS has released updates to Appendix Z Emergency Preparedness of the State Operations Manual. These updates reflect the changes to emergency preparedness requirements that went into effect at the end of November. Appendix Z begins on PDF page 641 of the CMS memo QSO-20-07-ALL.
Reminder: New emergency preparedness requirements went into effect November 29, 2019 with the final rule Regulatory Provisions to Promote Program Efficiency, Transparency, and Burden Reduction (Non Long-Term Care) published in September 2019. These requirements apply to all providers, though a few of the changes will specifically exclude nursing homes. Nursing homes continue to be required to update emergency preparedness plans annually and must train staff on these plans annually, despite requirements being changed to allow all other (non long-term care) providers to do so biennially. All providers, including long-term care providers, continue to be required to formulate a plan for collaboration with local, tribal, regional, state and federal emergency preparedness officials, but are no longer required to document efforts to contact these officials. Inpatient providers, including nursing homes, continue to be required to conduct 2 testing exercises annually.
