La. Admin. Code tit. 48 § I-8761

Current through Register Vol. 50, No. 11, November 20, 2024

Section I-8761 - Emergency and Evacuation Procedures

A. Disaster and emergency plans shall be developed by the governing body, and updated annually, which are based on a risk assessment using an all hazards approach for both internal and external occurrences. Disaster and emergency plans shall include provisions for persons with disabilities.

B. The facility shall develop and implement policies and procedures based on the emergency plan, risk assessment, and communication plan which shall be reviewed and updated at least annually. Such policies shall include a system to track on duty staff and sheltered clients, if any, during the emergency.

C. The facility shall develop and maintain an emergency preparedness communication plan that complies with both federal and state laws. Client care shall be well-coordinated within the facility, across health care providers and with state and local public health departments and emergency systems.

D. Additional Requirements

1. The ABI facility shall have continuously available telephone service on a 24-hour basis.

2. The ABI facility shall either post telephone numbers of emergency services, including the fire department, police department, medical services, poison control and ambulance or show evidence of an alternate means of immediate access to these services.

3. The ABI facility shall have a detailed written plan and procedure including the evacuation of residences or sheltering in place as appropriate to meet all potential emergencies and disasters such as fire, severe weather and missing clients. The ABI facility shall implement this plan in the event that an emergency or disaster occurs. These emergency and evacuation procedures shall include:

a. an agreement with a host or receiving facility, transportation, medications, food and necessary items to be evacuated with clients to safe or sheltered areas. Plans that family may evacuate the client when possible;

b. means for an ongoing safety program including continuous inspection of the facility for possible hazards, continuous monitoring of safety equipment and investigation of all accidents or emergencies;

c. fire prevention and evacuation plan and this plan shall be posted in each facility in a conspicuous place and kept current;

d. fire drills shall be documented for each shift at least quarterly;

NOTE: The drills may be announced in advance to the clients.

e. shelter in place when appropriate;

f. transportation arrangements for hospitalization or any other services which are appropriate;

g. maintenance of a first aid kit for emergencies; and

h. any emergency equipment appropriate for the ABI facility's client population.

E. The ABI facility shall develop and maintain training and testing programs, including initial training in policies and procedures and demonstrate knowledge of emergency procedures. Such training shall be provided at least annually.

F. The ABI facility shall immediately notify the department and other appropriate agencies of any fire, disaster or other emergency that may present a danger to clients or require their evacuation from the facility.

G. At any time that the ABI facility has an interruption in services or a change in the licensed location due to an emergency situation, the facility shall notify HSS no later than the next stated business day.

La. Admin. Code tit. 48, § I-8761

Promulgated by the Department of Health, Bureau of Health Services Financing, LR 432179 (11/1/2017).

AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 36:254 and 40:2120.31-40.