N.J. Admin. Code § 8:43A-15.1

Current through Register Vol. 56, No. 11, June 3, 2024

Section 8:43A-15.1 - Disaster planning

(a) The facility shall have written emergency plans, policies, and procedures which shall include plans and procedures to be followed in case of potential hazards that could necessitate an evacuation, including internal and external disasters such as fire, natural disaster, bomb threats, or industrial or radiological accidents.

(b) The licensee shall file the written, comprehensive emergency plan with the Department, and shall notify the Department when the plan is changed.

1. The licensee shall submit the plan to both municipal and county emergency management officials for their review.

(c) Procedures for emergencies shall include at least:

1. Protocols for notification of emergency service providers and officials;

2. Locations of emergency equipment and alarm signals;

3. Evacuation routes;

4. Procedures for evacuating patients;

5. Identification of one or more facilities to which patients would be referred in the event of extended closure of the facility;

6. Procedures for reentry after evacuation;

7. Tasks and responsibilities assigned to all personnel and identification of the person in the facility designated to coordinate emergency activities;

8. Protocols for removal and return of records, medications, supplies, and equipment after evacuation; and

9. Alternative procedures if patients cannot be returned to the facility.

(d) The facility shall ensure that patients receive necessary services during the evacuation or other emergency.

(e) A written evacuation diagram that includes evacuation procedure, location of fire exits, alarm boxes, and fire extinguishers shall be conspicuously posted throughout the facility.

(f) All employees shall be trained in procedures to be followed in the event of a fire and instructed in the use of fire-fighting equipment and patient evacuation as part of their initial orientation and at least annually thereafter.

N.J. Admin. Code § 8:43A-15.1

Amended by R.2008 d.24, effective 1/22/2008.
See: 39 N.J.R. 2309(a), 40 N.J.R. 702(a).
Rewrote the introductory paragraph of (b) and added (b)1.