Communication is critical to disaster response. The new regulations require a coordinated and collaborative relationship with state and local governments and health care providers during an emergency. This can only be accomplished with effective communication.
In addition to complying with other state and federal regulations, the facility must develop and maintain an emergency preparedness communication plan that allows the facility to make timely contact with appropriate staff, physicians, and other necessary persons to allow the continuation of patient care functions. A comprehensive list of all necessary contact information from the aforementioned parties is known as a fan-out list. Maintaining fan-out lists can be challenging as staffing changes. The fan-out list should be updated and tested periodically to ensure it works.
In addition, the facility must ensure that the medical information necessary to safely treat patients can be communicated in a timely manner to those who need it.
