S.C. Code Regs. § § 61-16.901

Current through Register Vol. 48, 12, December 27, 2024

Section 61-16.901 - All-Hazards Emergency Operations Plan. (II)

A. All facilities shall develop, implement, and maintain a written all-hazards emergency operations plan for actions to be taken in the event of a disaster and/or emergency evacuation. Additionally, in instances where there are applications for increases in licensed bed capacity or a change in ownership, the emergency plan shall be updated to reflect the proposed new total licensed bed capacity and/or change in ownership. The Facility shall review the plan at least annually.

B. The all-hazards emergency operations plan shall include, but not be limited to:

1. A sheltering plan to include:

a. Name, address, and phone number of the sheltering facility(ies) to which patients will be relocated during a disaster; and

b. A letter of agreement signed by an authorized representative of each sheltering facility, which shall include: the number of relocated patients that can be accommodated; sleeping, feeding, and medication plans for the relocated patients; and provisions for accommodating relocated staff members. The letter shall be updated with the sheltering facility at least every three (3) years and whenever significant changes occur. For those facilities located in Beaufort, Berkeley, Charleston, Colleton, Dorchester, Georgetown, Horry, and Jasper counties, at least one (1) sheltering facility shall be located in a county other than these counties.

2. A transportation plan, to include letter of agreement signed by an authorized representative with each entity for relocating patients, which addresses:

a. The relocation needs of the patients and staff contingent upon the type of disaster/emergency confronted;

b. Procedures for providing appropriate medical support, food, water and medications during relocation based on the needs and number of the patients; and

c. Estimated time to accomplish the relocation during normal conditions.

3. A staffing plan for the relocated patients, to include:

a. How care will be provided to the relocated patients, including facility staff members that will accompany patients who are relocated;

b. Prearranged transportation arrangements to ensure staff members are relocated to the sheltering facility; and

c. Co-signed statement by an authorized representative of the sheltering facility if staffing, bedding, or medical supplies that are to be provided by the sheltering facility.

C. The Facility shall maintain written acknowledgement from the local county emergency management agency of such agency's receipt of the Facility's all-hazards emergency operations plan.

D. Facilities annually, prior to June 1st of each year, shall:

1. Validate/provide the information required by the Department's Critical Data Sheet (CDS); and

2. Submit a shelter-in-place plan in a format determined by the Department, if the Facility may seek to shelter-in-place during an emergency evacuation.

E. Within 30 days prior to the renewal of its license, the facility shall provide the information required for the Department's Emergency Evacuation Plan Summary. Submission of this information will be in a format determined by the Department.

F. Each Facility shall maintain a means of primary and secondary communication with their local county emergency management agency that is capable of transmitting information and/or data during periods when normal communication systems are inoperable. The Facility shall also maintain a back-up system. Both systems shall be tested periodically.

S.C. Code Regs. § 61-16.901

Replaced and amended by State Register Volume 38, Issue No. 6, eff 6/27/2014; State Register Volume 48, Issue No. 06, eff. 6/28/2024.