Attention all Medicare program applicants and enrolled facilities. This announcement pertains to compliance in the Quad A ASC, OPT, and RHC programs. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) published Emergency Preparedness Final Rules for all certification programs on September 16, 2016. The rules became effective on November 15, 2016 and require full implementation by November 15, 2017. This means that all Quad A accredited facilities must already be in compliance with the new requirements by the time Quad A begins surveying on the new requirements on November 15, 2017. Please refer to the
CMS Survey & Certification Memo for regulatory reference numbers and resources that will help in achieving compliance with the new requirements. Facilities that have not completed required exercises or fulfilled the other Emergency Preparedness requirements as of the implementation date, will be cited as deficient.
Each Medicare program has specific requirements listed in the Code of Federal Regulations. Quad A is currently in the process of incorporating the new requirements into the standards manuals and obtaining CMS approval for these materials. CMS is also currently drafting its own interpretive guidance related to Emergency Preparedness. CMS encourages facilities not to wait for the publication of additional materials or guidance to begin conducting Emergency Preparedness activities. Please also be on the lookout for additional memos that may help in preparing for and achieving compliance with these new requirements.