The hospital has a communications plan that addresses how it will initiate and maintain commu...

(1)

The hospital maintains a contact list of individuals and entities that are to be notified in response to an emergency. The list of contacts includes the following: - Staff - Physicians and other licensed practitioners - Volunteers - Other health care organizations - Entities providing services under arrangement, including suppliers of essential services, equipment, and supplies - Relevant community partners (such as fire, police, local incident command, public health departments) - Relevant authorities (federal, state, tribal, regional, and local emergency preparedness staff) - Other sources of assistance (such as health care coalitions) Note: The type of emergency will determine what organizations/individuals need to be contacted to assist with the emergency or disaster incident.

(3)

The hospital’s communication plan describes how the hospital will communicate with and report information about its organizational needs, available occupancy, and ability to provide assistance to relevant authorities. Note: Examples of hospital needs include shortages in personal protective equipment, staffing shortages, evacuation or transfer of patients, and temporary loss of part or all organization function.

(4)

In the event of an emergency or evacuation, the hospital’s communications plan includes a method for sharing and/or releasing location information and medical documentation for patients under the hospital’s care to the following individuals or entities, in accordance with law and regulation: - Patient’s family, representative, or others involved in the care of the patient - Disaster relief organizations and relevant authorities - Other health care providers Note: Sharing and releasing of patient information is consistent with 45 CFR 164.510(b)(1)(ii) and (b)(4).

(5)

The hospital’s communications plan identifies its primary and alternate means for communicating with staff and relevant authorities (such as federal, state, tribal, regional, and local emergency preparedness staff). The plan includes procedures for the following: - How and when alternate/backup communication methods are used - Verifying that its communications systems are compatible with those of community partners and relevant authorities the hospital plans to communicate with - Testing the functionality of the hospital’s alternate/backup communication systems or equipment Note: Examples of alternate/backup communication systems include amateur radios, portable radios, text-based notifications, cell and satellite phones, and reverse 911 notification systems.