As long-term care facilities continue to address the challenges presented by COVID-19, it is crucial not to lose sight of the emergencies outside of the pandemic. Assessing and demonstrating a facility’s ability to competently respond to a variety of emergencies is important to surveys. Key elements of an effective and compliant emergency preparedness plan include: risk assessment and emergency planning; policies and procedures; communication plan, and a training and testing program.

What is “risk assessment”?

According to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), “The term risk assessment describes a process facilities use to assess and document potential hazards that are likely to impact their geographical region, community, facility and patient population and identify gaps and challenges that should be considered and addressed in developing the emergency preparedness program. The term risk assessment is meant to be comprehensive, and may include a variety of methods to assess and document potential hazards and their impacts.”

Who performs a risk assessment?

These assessments should be completed using a comprehensive team approach. This team should include facility leadership such as the administrator, medical director and director of nursing as well as other department heads. Ideally, completing a risk assessment should be a learning process that opens up opportunities to pose questions and address concerns. The assessment can help strengthen budget decision-making and overall quality.

Risk assessments should be comprehensive

There is no recommended format for conducting the risk assessment. However, facilities should examine their risk and capabilities for all probable hazards, natural and man-made disasters. This may include cyberattacks, disease outbreaks, equipment or building damage/dysfunction, severe weather events, or workplace violence. 

Assessments should also include a profile of the resident population and staffing. Information on resident population should include factors such as census, diseases/conditions, physical and cognitive disabilities, acuity and ethnic/cultural/religious factors that impact care. Staffing can also be examined by considering residents’ needs and the type of care they require.

Other areas that should be assessed include budget resources, building needs, technology requirements, opportunities for better collaboration with medical practitioners, infection control issues and opportunities for Quality Assessment and Assurance (QAA)/Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement (QAPI).

How can The Compliance Store help?

A thorough risk assessment helps facilities identify their vulnerabilities, create strategies, and build an effective emergency preparedness plan that can mitigate the impact of future emergencies. The Compliance Store has resources, policies and procedures, tools and forms that can help you easily complete your next facility assessment or emergency preparedness plan. 

To learn more, contact us online or call us at 877-582-7347.