The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has issued two new Survey & Certification Letters pertaining to the Final Emergency Preparedness Rule that was issued last September and must be implemented in full by providers no later than November 15, 2017.

The first, S&C 17-21-ALL, clarifies that the training and testing requirements must be completed by the Nov. 15, 2017 implementation date. It also notes that CMS has developed a website that contains various resources such as checklists, links to emergency preparedness agencies, planning templates and many other valuable resources to facilitate compliance with the rule. The website also provides a State-by-State listing of Health Care Coalitions.

The second, S&C 17-22-ALL, announces a National Provider Call on Thursday, April 27 from 2:30 to 3:30, to provide an overview of the final rule and discuss the requirements for meeting the training and testing requirements by the implementation date of November 15, 2017. To register for the call, please visit MLN Connects® Event Registration. Space is limited so early registration is recommended.