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Emergency Preparedness Emergency preparedness (EP) activities became a more focused priority subsequent to Hurricane Katrina. This focus has continued, receiving renewed emphasis during and after Hurricanes Gustav and Ike. Lessons learned from these disasters continue to drive EP activities and reinforce the need for a continuous EP/EM program. This is not a stagnant program. EP requires continuous enhancement and sustainment. Initially the EP program was focused on the establishment of a comprehensive integrated system with five major goals: 1. Design, develop and implement compliant EP plans. 2. Integrate policy, procedure and plans with state, regional and local EP partners. 3. Develop, conduct and validate a multi-level integrated exercise plan. 4. Design and implement a continuous individual and collective training program. 5. Establish a comprehensive, redundant, interoperable and flexible EP communications plan. These goals were designed to enhance health center EP readiness and began with a phased effort starting with a needs analysis based on capabilities and an all hazards vulnerability assessment. This became the emphasis for the initial objectives to include: · Establishment of an EP Steering Committee · Development of a comprehensive EP “How-to-Guide” tailored to CHC needs · Creation of a multi-level communication network system · Integration of EP plans into state, regional and local policies and guidelines · Develop both training and communication exercise programs The initial actions cited above were enhanced by collaboration with State Department of Health and Hospitals (DHH) and Department of Social Services (DSS). Primary Care Association (PCA) plans were approved and included within both State hurricane preparedness and comprehensive emergency/disaster planning documents. Compatible communications equipment was fielded and participation in state/regional EP exercises was initiated. Completion and distribution of an all hazards EP “How-to-Guide” was distributed to all CHCs. The second phase of EP preparedness continued with a “building block” approach that emphasized development of state partnerships to include pandemic influenza planning, development of local pointing of dispensing sites, and direct involvement in emergency/disaster assistance through the Critical Transportation Needs (CTN) shelter initiative. Selected clinics within the PCA structure implemented direct primary health care support during the most recent hurricane disasters. This support provided not only much needed assistance but also an opportunity to enhance plans and EP partnerships. Direct assistance to CHCs, communications exercises and NIMS focused training continued during this period. We are now entering Phase III of the PCA’s EP program. This is perhaps the most critical stage of the development process. Initiatives to include partnerships, joint plan development and training validated trough integrated exercises are absolutely essential to a sustainable EP program. The key initiatives for the immediate future is to maintain PCA focus on training, continued partnership development, EP plan(s) revision and expansion, exercise development and sustainment activities. A review of BPHC PIN 200-15, Joint Commission standards and NIMS compliance criteria emphasize the need to incorporate NIMS standard operating guidelines into all plans and policies (enclosure 3, enclosure 4). The PCA will aggressively continue NIMS/ICS 100, 200 and 700 level training with a goal of completing this basic level qualification for all PCA/CHC personnel. Followed by sustainment program and the initiation of NIMS 300, 400 and 800 level training for senior staff and board members. Both these levels must be continuous in order to be sustainable. Plans must also be revised to incorporate changes, additions and expanded sections to include continuity of operations, pandemic influenza and a continuous training/exercise program. While BPHC does not require NIMS compliance at this time, “compliance with NIMS is strongly encouraged.” This includes both training and plans. Joint Commission standards mandate a written (EM02.01.01) Emergency Management plan that “describes the response procedures to follow when emergencies occur” and is very specific in its detailed guidance for inclusion. The DHH has also mandated NIMS compliance for all health care providing agencies to include NIMS training. Major EP/EM focus areas (see enclosure) for the immediate foreseeable future will include: · Development of sustained medical services plan during disaster(s)/emergencies · Development of a PCA disaster/emergency mutual support agreement between adjacent health centers · Continued assistance to CHCs for EP/EM planning to include policies, procedures and FEMA directed EP/EM organization models · A continuing and sustainable EP/EM training program focused on NIMS compliance · Development of an expanded EP/EM exercise program · Update of the current EP/EM communications needs analysis/assessment As previously stated, the EP/EM program is a continuous process that requires periodic updated and expansion. This is also true of the training initiatives including NIMS compliant training. It is essential that plans, training and exercise development continue and improve. While major enhancements have been made, there is much more to accomplish as we “move toward full NIMS compliance” as described in all pertinent program guidance. It is extremely critical that we continue to build on the EP/EM advances we have achieved thus far. Without continued emphasis our efforts may very well fall into complacency and our goal of full NIMS compliance will not be achieved. Continuing this critical program will be a LPCA imperative. Summary The LPCA stands ready to not only continue but to expand its collaboration and assistance in EP medical support. With funding assistance this partnership can continue to mature and provide exceptional EP support to at risk and disadvantaged populations as well as general populations in an emergency and disaster operations. Already LPCA has expanded its role beyond shelter medical support into pandemic influenza planning as an active member of both the Clinical Pandemic Influenza Forum and State Influenza Plan Draft Review Committee. LPCA will continue as an active partner but must be included in the overall state EP funding plan. Goals: LPCA’s role in EP will continue to be focused on: • Enhanced coordination and support to state, regional and local EP partners • Continued NIMS/ICS training to support NIMS compliance and continuity of effort • Expanded role(s) in FQHC EP functions to include partnerships between community health centers • Increased participation of clinics in local and regional EP exercises • Expanded inclusion into the DHH/OPH planning process • Updating and increasing internal communications capabilities • Developing and implementing local EP awareness and preparation programs for clinic patients • Increase the role of FQHCs in EP response • Updating and standardizing health center plans and policies • Update and finalize state partnership MOAs to include funding assistance • Expand the role of the LPCA EP Steering/Technical Support Committees • Develop a more robust LPCA Designated Regional Coordinator (DRC) program and develop MOA between regions • Continue to provide active support to all EP initiatives, committees and agencies in the public and private sectors |
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P.O. Box 966 Baton Rouge, LA 70821-0966 location:
4550 N BLVD Suite 120 Baton Rouge, LA 70806 phone: 225.927.7662 fax: 225.927.7688 email: lpca@lpca.net ALL RIGHTS RESERVED COPYRIGHT 2010 |