This regulation requires dialysis (ESRD) facilities to establish and maintain a comprehensive emergency preparedness program covering fires, equipment or power failures, care-related emergencies, water supply interruptions, and natural disasters. The program must address the health and safety needs of patients during emergencies and align with applicable Federal, State, and local requirements. Surveyors will verify written or electronic documentation of the program.
View official sourceE-0003 (Rev. 204, Issued: 04-16-21; Effective: 04-16-21, Implementation: 04-16-21) §494.62 Condition for Coverage: The dialysis facility must comply with all applicable Federal, State, and local emergency preparedness requirements. These emergencies include, but are not limited to, fire, equipment or power failures, care related emergencies, water supply interruption, and natural disasters likely to occur in the facility’s geographic area. The dialysis facility must establish and maintain an emergency preparedness program that meets the requirements of this section. The emergency preparedness program must include, but not be limited to, the following elements: Interpretive Guidelines for §494.62. Under this condition, the ESRD facility is required to develop and update an emergency preparedness program that meets all of the standards contained within the condition. The emergency preparedness program must describe a facility's comprehensive approach to meeting the health and safety needs of their patient population during an emergency; as well as the whole community during and surrounding an emergency event (natural or man-made). Survey Procedures • Ask to see written or electronic documentation of the program. • Verify that the ESRD facility emergency preparedness program measures plan for emergencies including,, but not limited to, emergencies of fire, equipment, or power failures, care-related emergencies, water supply interruption, and natural disasters likely to occur in the facility's geographic area.