Section 388-97-1740. Disaster and emergency preparedness.

(1) The nursing home must develop and implement detailed written plans and procedures to meet potential emergencies and disasters. At a minimum the nursing home must ensure these plans provide for:

(a) Fire or smoke;

(b) Severe weather;

(c) Loss of power;

(d) Earthquake;

(e) Explosion;

(f) Missing resident, elopement;

(g) Loss of normal water supply;

(h) Bomb threats;

(i) Armed individuals;

(j) Gas leak, or loss of service; and

(k) Loss of heat supply.

(2) The nursing home must train all employees in emergency procedures when they begin work in the nursing home, periodically review emergency procedures with existing staff, and carry out unannounced staff drills using those procedures.

(3) The nursing home must ensure emergency plans:

(a) Are developed and maintained with the assistance of qualified fire, safety, and other appropriate experts as necessary;

(b) Are reviewed annually; and

(c) Include evacuation routes prominently posted on each unit.

[Statutory Authority: Chapters 18.51 and 74.42 RCW and 42 C.F.R. 489.52. WSR 08-20-062, § 388-97-1740, filed 9/24/08, effective 11/1/08.]

Chapters 18.51 and 74.42 RCW and 42 C.F.R. 489.52. WSR 08-20-062, § 388-97-1740, filed 9/24/08, effective 11/1/08.