SMQT Emergency Preparedness (Appendix Z) — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which of the following is one of the four core elements of the CMS emergency preparedness rule?
- Communication plan (Correct answer)
- Annual financial audit
- Staff wage review
- Menu planning
Correct answer: Communication plan
The four core elements are (1) an emergency plan based on an all-hazards risk assessment, (2) policies and procedures, (3) a communication plan, and (4) training and testing.
Question 2: What approach must a facility's emergency plan risk assessment use?
- Fire-only
- All-hazards, including facility-based and community-based risks (Correct answer)
- Weather-only
- Pandemic-only
Correct answer: All-hazards, including facility-based and community-based risks
Section 483.73(a)(1) requires a facility-based and community-based risk assessment using an all-hazards approach, including missing residents.
Question 3: How often must a long-term care facility review and update its emergency preparedness program?
- At least every 2 years
- At least annually (Correct answer)
- Every 5 years
- Only after an actual emergency
Correct answer: At least annually
The 2019 burden-reduction rule moved many provider types to biennial reviews, but LTC facilities must still review and update their emergency preparedness program at least annually.
Question 4: How many emergency preparedness exercises must an LTC facility conduct each year?
- One tabletop exercise every two years
- Two exercises per year, one of which must be a full-scale or functional exercise (Correct answer)
- Monthly fire drills only
- One exercise every three years
Correct answer: Two exercises per year, one of which must be a full-scale or functional exercise
LTC facilities must conduct two exercises per year. One must be a full-scale exercise (community-based, or facility-based if a community exercise isn't available) or an individual facility-based functional exercise. The second may be another full-scale or functional exercise, a mock drill, or a tabletop exercise.
Question 5: LTC emergency policies must address subsistence needs for staff and residents during an emergency. Which item is specifically required?
- Alternate sources of energy to maintain temperatures that protect resident health and safety (Correct answer)
- A backup supply of resident entertainment materials
- Duplicate copies of all employee tax records
- A secondary dietary vendor contract for holiday meals
Correct answer: Alternate sources of energy to maintain temperatures that protect resident health and safety
Section 483.73(b)(1) requires LTC facilities to plan for food, water, medical, and pharmaceutical supplies, plus alternate energy sources to maintain temperatures, emergency lighting, fire detection and extinguishing, and sewage and waste disposal.
Question 6: Which emergency-plan information must LTC facilities share with residents and their families or representatives?
- Nothing; the plan is confidential
- Appropriate information from the emergency plan, along with the method for sharing information and updates on the resident's condition (Correct answer)
- Only the facility's insurance carrier
- Only the generator maintenance logs
Correct answer: Appropriate information from the emergency plan, along with the method for sharing information and updates on the resident's condition
Section 483.73(c) requires LTC facilities to have a method for sharing information from the emergency plan, as appropriate, with residents and their families or representatives.
