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Is Your Hospital Prepared?

California hospitals are a critical element within the disaster medical response system and work collaboratively with local government, other health care providers and other agencies to plan, prepare for and respond to the needs of victims of natural or man-made disasters, bioterrorism, and other public health emergencies. Hospital emergency preparedness is a priority for government at all levels, as well as a key focus of regulatory and accrediting agencies. Hospitals must respond to increasing preparedness standards and activities, while simultaneously providing effective service to their communities. 

Water Disruption Guidelines: Survey now Open

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The CHA Hospital Preparedness Program is conducting a brief survey to determine how hospitals have used the “Guidelines for Developing Best Practices to Assist California Hospitals Prepare for and Respond to a Water Disruption” since its October 14, 2011 release.

All hospitals are encouraged to respond to the survey regardless of whether or not they have received or reviewed the documents. To complete the survey, go to www.surveymonkey.com/s/WaterDisruption. The survey deadline is Monday, February 13, 2012.

The draft guidance was published for hospitals to use in preparation for the 2011 California Statewide Medical and Health Exercise, as well as for water disruption planning activities. To access the draft guidance, go to:www.calhospitalprepare.org/h20

Healthcare Preparedness Capabilities: National Guidance for Healthcare System Preparedness

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In 2011, the Public Health Emergency Preparedness grant instituted 15 Public Health Emergency Capabilities.The Hospital Preparedness Program (HPP) is moving to a Capabilities approach in 2012. The Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (ASPR) has released the HPP Capabilities (see the attached Healthcare Preparedness Capabilities: National Guidance for Healthcare System Preparedness). A letter from Dr. Nicole Lurie, the ASPR, introducing and describing the HPP Capabilities is also attached.

The document initiates the release of federal documents describing changes in the PHEP and HPP grants in 2012. The PHEP and HPP Capabilities will be aligned (see table below for a summary of the two sets of Capabilities). On January 20, the U.S. HHS is scheduled to release the HPP-PHEP Capabilities Planning Guide (CPG) which will discuss the relationship between the two sets of Capabilities and describe the intent, completion and reporting requirements.

CDPH is undertaking a statewide planning process to determine how to implement the new HPP Capabilities as well as their alignment with the PHEP Capabilities for California. Information on this process will be forthcoming.

2011 Hospital Emergency Code Survey Results Now Online

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The complete results of the 2011 Hospital Emergency Code Standardization Survey, conducted by the California Hospital Association (CHA) in partnership with the regional associations, is now available.The survey assessed statewide hospital emergency code usage and revealed improved code consistency among facilities.

Of the 240 responding hospitals, 3 out of 4 reported implementation of the code recommendations issued by the Hospital Association of Southern California (HASC) in 2000. These hospital emergency codes included codes for a variety of incidents including fire, adult medical emergency, infant abduction, bomb threat, combative person, person with a weapon/hostage situation, hazardous material spill, and emergency alert.

Hospital associations have advocated for the adoption of a standardized code system for more than a decade. Currently, 21 state hospital associations have similar programs with only one—Maryland—legally mandated. Three national health care organizations also provide standards—American Hospital Association, US Army Medical Command, and Hospital Emergency Incident Command.

The final results of the survey illustrate ongoing progress in hospital emergency code implementation among California health care facilities.

Preparing for Surge Tent Use During the 2011-2012 Flu Season

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During the 2010-11 flu season, the use of surge tents to screen and triage patients required involvement by the State Fire Marshal (SFM), Local Fire Marshal, Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development (OSHPD) and California Department of Public Health (CDPH). Regulations and policies governing the use of tents have not changed for the 2011-12 flu season.

CHA released a memo outlining the 2011-2012 policies on tent use:

CHA Contacts: Roger Richter (916-552-7570) or Cheri Hummel (916-552-7681)            

Hospital Water Disruption Best Practices

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Emergency Preparedness and Disaster Planning Resources for California Hospitals picture

The attached Guidelines for Developing Best Practices to Assist California Hospitals in Preparing for and Responding to a Water Disruption are being published in draft form and are for hospital use in preparing for the November 17, 2011 California Statewide Medical and Health Training and Exercise Program. These tools may also be used for any other hospital water disruption planning activities. 

These guidelines were drafted under the CHA Hospital Preparedness Program with participation from a work group which was comprised of hospital representatives and state regulatory agencies.

The guidelines address:

• Overview of a hospital water disruption
• The hospital water supply planning team
• Conducting a water use audit
• Role of California Regulatory Agencies in a water disruption
• Water disruption standards and regulations
• Coordinating with the community response to a water disruption

The guidelines contain links to federal and state references and include six attachments which provide additional information and check lists to assist hospitals with water disruption planning and response.
 

    

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