Joint Commission resource aims to prepare hospitals for disasters

The Joint Commission issued a sentinel event alert outlining steps for health care organizations to consider as they prepare for weather and climate-related disasters such as hurricanes, tornadoes, wildfires, floods and extreme heat. The alert recommends hospitals 1) revisit and update emergency plans; 2) establish and build collaborative relationships; 3) develop a resilient communications infrastructure; 4) plan how to meet essential needs and provide care to staff and patients; and 5) plan and practice how to evacuate and shelter in place. The Joint Commission Emergency Management standards require health care organizations to have a comprehensive emergency management program providing a systematic analysis for planning and decision-making. Health care organizations can reproduce the alert if they attribute it to the Joint Commission. (The Joint Commission news release, 11/13/24)