The University of Pittsburgh reports that since 2002, states have taken significant steps to raise awareness of the need for medical emergency managements planning, thanks in part to the Department of Health and Human Services' Hospital Preparedness Program (HPP). The report highlights the fact that many states have already created emergency hospital staffing and medical supply plans.
The HPP was established by the Department of Health and Human Services in 2002 to help hospitals prepare response plans to terrorist attacks, natural disasters, and other widespread incidents that may cripple a community's ability to provide emergency health care. Areas studied by the HPP include: interoperable communication systems, hospital evacuation, decontamination plans, and bed and personnel management.
Although improvements have been made, the report recognizes that additional efforts are still needed, including better coordination among regional Healthcare Coalitions.
The full report can be found here:
http://www.upmc-biosecurity.org/website/resources/publications/2009/pdf/Hospitals%20Rising%20to%20the%20Challenge_Published%20Final_4-21-09.pdf
Source: Department of Health and Human Services
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