Utah Admin. Code 432-270-26

Current through Bulletin 2024-12, June 15, 2024

Section R432-270-26 - Disaster and Emergency Preparedness

(1) The licensee is responsible for the safety and well-being of residents in the event of an emergency or disaster.

(2) The licensee and the administrator are responsible to develop and coordinate plans with state and local emergency disaster authorities to respond to potential emergencies and disasters. The plan shall outline:

(a) the protection or evacuation of residents;

(b) arrangements for staff response or providing additional staff to ensure the safety of any resident with physical or mental limitations; and

(c) when to notify the Silver Alert program for missing and endangered adults and the resident's emergency contacts.

(3) The licensee shall ensure that the emergency and disaster response plan is in writing and distributed or made available to facility staff and residents to ensure prompt and efficient implementation.

(4) Emergencies and disasters include:

(a) fire;

(b) severe weather;

(c) missing residents;

(d) death of residents;

(e) interruption of public utilities;

(f) explosion;

(g) bomb threat;

(h) earthquake;

(i) windstorm;

(j) epidemic; or

(k) mass casualty.

(5) The licensee and the administrator shall review and update the plan as necessary to conform with local emergency plans. The licensee shall ensure the plan is available for review by the department.

(6) The licensee shall ensure the emergency and disaster response plan addresses the following:

(a) the names of the person in charge and persons with decision-making authority;

(b) the names of persons who shall 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 alarm systems;

(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;

(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 if additional persons are housed in the facility during an emergency; and

(j) delivery of essential care and services to facility occupants if personnel are reduced by an emergency.

(7)

(a) The licensee shall ensure safe ambient air temperatures are maintained within the facility.

(b) The local fire department shall approve the facility's emergency heating.

(c) Ambient air temperatures of 58 degrees Fahrenheit or below may constitute an imminent danger to the health and safety of the residents in the facility. The person in charge shall take immediate action in the best interests of the residents.

(d) The licensee shall have, and be capable of implementing, contingency plans regarding excessively high ambient air temperatures within the facility that may exacerbate the medical condition of residents.

(8) The licensee shall provide personnel and residents with instruction and training in accordance with the plans to respond appropriately in an emergency. The licensee shall:

(a) annually review the procedures with existing staff and residents and carry out unannounced drills using those procedures;

(b) hold simulated disaster drills semi-annually;

(c) hold simulated fire drills quarterly on each shift for staff and residents in accordance with Rule R710-3; and

(d) document drills, including date, participants, problems encountered, and the ability of each resident to evacuate.

(9) The licensee shall ensure that the administrator is in charge during an emergency. If not on the premises, the licensee shall ensure the administrator makes every effort to report to the facility, relieve subordinates and take charge.

(10) The licensee shall provide in-house equipment and supplies required in an emergency including:

(a) emergency lighting;

(b) heating equipment;

(c) food;

(d) potable water;

(e) extra blankets;

(f) first aid kit; and

(g) radio.

(11) The licensee shall ensure the following information is posted in public 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, location of fire alarm boxes, and fire extinguishers.

Utah Admin. Code R432-270-26

Amended by Utah State Bulletin Number 2020-19, effective 9/15/2020

Amended by Utah State Bulletin Number 2023-22, effective 11/9/2023