Department of Social Service (DSS) licensing officials have asked VCAL to remind members of two key compliance issues related to emergency preparedness.  Providers have been cited for improper documentation related to their outreach to local emergency coordinators, as well as the required elements of fire and emergency evacuation plans.

First, part of the new standards for assisted living communities includes the documentation of initial and annual contact with the local emergency coordinator per the following:

22 VAC 40-73-950. Emergency preparedness and response plan.

Documentation of initial and annual contact with the local emergency coordinator to determine (i) local disaster risks, (ii) communitywide plans to address different disasters and emergency situations, and (iii) assistance, if any, that the local emergency management office will provide to the facility in an emergency.

Second, fire and emergency evacuation plan address should address all requirements of 22 VAC 40-73-906.

22 VAC 40-73-960. Fire and emergency evacuation plan.

Assisted living facilities shall have a written plan for fire and emergency evacuation that is to be followed in the event of a fire or other emergency. The plan shall be approved by the appropriate fire official.

A fire and emergency evacuation drawing shall be posted in a conspicuous place on each floor of each building used by residents. The drawing shall show primary and secondary escape routes, areas of refuge, assembly areas, telephones, fire alarm boxes, and fire extinguishers, as appropriate.

The telephone numbers for the fire department, rescue squad or ambulance, police, and Poison Control Center shall be posted by each telephone shown on the fire and emergency evacuation plan.

In assisted living facilities where all outgoing telephone calls must be placed through a central switchboard located on the premises, the information required in subsection C of this section may be posted by the switchboard rather than by each telephone, provided this switchboard is staffed 24 hours each day.

Staff and volunteers shall be fully informed of the approved fire and emergency evacuation plan, including their duties, and the location and operation of fire extinguishers, fire alarm boxes, and any other available emergency equipment.

If you have additional questions, contact VHCA-VCAL Vice President of Quality Improvement and Director of VCAL April Payne.