CMS Revised Emergency Preparedness Guidance For In-Patient and Out-Patient Providers Related to Exercise Exemption based on A Facility's Activation of their Emergency Plan

 

Message to: Administrators, Executive Directors   From: Melanie Roth Lawson, Trainer and Emergency Response Coordinator     Re: CMS Provides Guidance and Clarifications on Emergency Preparedness Exercise Exemptions for Inpatient and Outpatient Providers Due to Ongoing COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE)   Note: The updated guidance only applies if your facility is still currently operating under its activated emergency plan or reactivated its emergency plan for COVID-19 in 2021 or 2022.   CMS recognizes many facilities are still operating under an activated emergency plan during the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency. For those facilities, they are providing more guidance for inpatient and outpatient providers/suppliers, consistent with the exercise exemption authorized by the EP regulations.   To view the document, go here (URL https://www.cms.gov/files/document/qso-20-41-all-revised-05262022.pdf)   All of the changes are in RED.   This exemption states that during or after an actual emergency, the regulations allow for a one-year exemption from the requirement that the facility perform testing exercises. This exemption applies to the next required full-scale exercise only, not the exercise of choice, based on your facility's 12-month exercise cycle.   Please see the attached CMS guidance document. If you have any questions, please contact Melanie.Roth-Lawson@state.co.us or call 720-291-5929.