La. Admin. Code tit. 67 § V-7121

Current through Register Vol. 50, No. 12, December 20, 2024

Section V-7121 - Emergency Preparedness

A. Emergency Plan

1. The provider, in consultation with appropriate state or local authorities, shall establish and follow a written multi-hazard emergency and evacuation plan to protect residents and children of residents in the event of any emergency. The written overall plan of emergency procedures shall:

a. provide for the evacuation of residents and children of residents to safe or sheltered areas. Evacuation plans shall include procedures for addressing both planned and unplanned evacuations to alternate locations within the city and long distance evacuations;

b. provide for training of staff and, as appropriate, residents and children of residents in preventing, reporting, and responding to fires and other emergencies. The plan shall be reviewed with all staff at least annually. Documentation evidencing that the plan has been reviewed with all staff shall include staff signatures and date reviewed;

c. provide for training of staff in their emergency duties for all types of emergencies and the use of any fire fighting or other emergency equipment in their immediate work areas;

d. provide for adequate staffing in the event of an emergency;

e. ensure access to medication and other necessary supplies or equipment;

f. include shelter in place, lock down situations, and evacuations with regard to natural disasters, manmade disasters, bomb threats, and national security threats;

g. be appropriate for the area in which the facility is located and address any potential disaster due to that particular location;

h. include a system to account for all residents and children of residents whether sheltering in place, locking down, or evacuating to a pre-determined relocation site;

i. include lock down procedures for situations that may result in harm to persons inside the facility, including but not limited to a shooting, hostage incident, intruder, trespassing, disturbance, or any situation deemed harmful at the discretion of the program director or public safety personnel;

j. account for residents and children of residents and ensure that no one leaves the designated safe area in a lock down situation. Staff shall secure facility entrances, ensuring that no unauthorized individual enters the facility;

k. include an individualized emergency plan (including medical contact information and additional supplies/equipment needed) for each resident and child of a resident with special needs;

l. ensure that residents and children of residents who are prescribed prescription medication are able to receive medication if evacuated from facility;

m. include plans for nuclear evacuation if the facility is located within a 10-mile radius of a nuclear power plant or research facility;

n. include emergency contact information for staff in the event evacuation from the facility is necessary.

2. At a minimum, the plan shall be reviewed annually by the program director for accuracy and updated as changes occur. Documentation of review by the program director shall consist of the program directors signature and date.

3. The emergency and evacuation plan shall by submitted to the Licensing Section at least annually, any time changes are made, and upon the request of the Licensing Section.

4. If evacuation of children from the facility is necessary, provider shall have an evacuation pack and all staff shall know the location of the pack. The contents shall be replenished as needed. At a minimum, the pack shall contain the following:

a. hand sanitizer;

b. wet wipes;

c. tissue;

d. diapers for children who are not yet potty trained;

e. plastic bags;

f. food for all ages of children, including infant food and formula;

g. disposable cups; and

h. bottled water.

NOTE: For additional information contact the Office of Emergency Preparedness (Civil Defense) in your area.

B. Drills

1. The provider shall conduct fire drills at least once per month. There shall be at least one drill per shift every 90 days, at varying times of the day and the drills shall be documented. Effective August 1, 2016, documentation shall include:

a. date and time of drill;

b. names of residents and children of residents present;

c. amount of time to evacuate the facility;

d. problems noted during drill and corrections noted; and

e. signatures (not initials) of staff present.

2. The provider shall make every effort to ensure that staff, residents, and children of residents recognize the nature and importance of fire drills.

C. Notification of Emergencies

1. The provider shall immediately notify the Licensing Section, other appropriate agencies, and the resident's legal guardian of any fire, disaster, or other emergency that may present a danger to residents or children of residents or require their evacuation from the facility.

D. Access to Emergency Services

1. The provider shall have access to 24-hour telephone service.

2. The provider shall either prominently post telephone numbers of emergency services on or near each phone located in the facility, including the fire department, police department, medical facility, poison control (1-800-222-1222), ambulance services, 911, the facility's physical address or show evidence of an alternate means of immediate access to these services.

3. The provider shall ensure direct care staff can access emergency services at all times.

La. Admin. Code tit. 67, § V-7121

Promulgated by the Department of Social Services, Office of Community Service, LR 36:830 (April 2010), Amended by the Department of Children and Family Services, Licensing Section, LR 43288 (2/1/2017).

AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 36:477 and R.S. 46:1401 et seq.