Section R432-300-21 - Disaster and Emergency Preparedness(1) Emergencies and disasters include fire, severe weather, missing residents, death of a resident, interruption of public utilities, explosion, bomb threat, earthquake, flood, windstorm, epidemic, or mass casualty.(2) The licensee is responsible: (a) for the safety and well-being of residents in the event of an emergency or disaster; and(b) to develop and coordinate plans with state and local emergency disaster authorities to respond to potential emergencies and disasters.(3) The licensee shall ensure the emergency and disaster plan:(a) outlines the protection or evacuation of each resident, and includes arrangement for staff response or additional staff to ensure the safety of any resident with physical or mental limitations;(b) is in writing and distributed or made available to any facility staff and residents to ensure prompt and efficient implementation;(c) is reviewed and updated as necessary to conform with local emergency plans and is made available for department review.(4) The licensee shall ensure the emergency and disaster response plan addresses the following: (a) the name of the person in charge and persons with decision-making authority;(b) the names of persons to be notified in an emergency in order of priority;(c) the names and telephone numbers of emergency medical personnel, fire department, paramedics, ambulance service, police, and other appropriate agencies;(d) instructions on how to contain a fire and how to use the facility fire extinguishing equipment;(e) assignment of personnel to specific tasks during an emergency;(f) the procedure to evacuate and transport residents and staff to a safe place within the facility or to other prearranged locations including specialized training to assist a dependent resident;(g) instructions on how to recruit additional help, supplies, and equipment to meet the residents' needs after an emergency or disaster;(h) delivery of essential care and services to facility occupants by alternate means;(i) delivery of essential care and services when additional persons are housed in the facility during an emergency; and(j) delivery of essential care and services to facility occupants when personnel are reduced by an emergency.(5) The licensee shall:(a) ensure safe ambient temperatures are maintained within the facility;(b) ensure emergency heating has the approval of the local fire department;(c) ensure the person in charge takes immediate action in the best interests of the residents should the ambient air temperature fall below 58 degrees F. as this may constitute an imminent danger to the health and safety of the residents in the facility; and(d) develop, and be capable of implementing, contingency plans regarding excessively high ambient air temperatures within the facility that may exacerbate the medical condition of residents.(6) The licensee shall: (a) ensure that staff and residents receive instruction and training in accordance with the plans to respond appropriately in an emergency;(b) annually review the procedures with existing staff and residents and conduct unannounced drills using those procedures;(c) hold simulated disaster drills semi-annually;(d) hold simulated fire drills quarterly on each shift for staff and residents in accordance with Rule R710-3; and(e) document any drills, including date, participants, problems encountered, and the ability of each resident to evacuate.(7) The licensee shall be in charge during an emergency. If not on the premises, the licensee shall make every effort to report to the facility, relieve subordinates, and take charge.(8) The licensee shall provide in-house equipment and supplies required in an emergency including emergency lighting, heating equipment, food, potable water, extra blankets, first aid kit, and radio.(9) The licensee shall post the following information in prominent locations throughout the facility: (a) the name of the person in charge and names and telephone numbers of emergency medical personnel, agencies, and appropriate communication and emergency transport systems; and(b) evacuation routes including the location of exits and fire extinguishers.Utah Admin. Code R432-300-21
Amended by Utah State Bulletin Number 2023-10, effective 5/9/2023