On September 16, 2016 CMS issued their “Final Rule” on their new Emergency Preparedness Program Requirements, and have made it clear that by November 15, 2017 facilities should be compliant. In fact, earlier this year CMS issued S&C 17-21 (click to read) that gave clear direction that provider’s first “annual” training and testing requirements must be complete by the implementation date November 15, 2017 (one year after adoption). No exceptions.
Training, testing and other annual requirements that must be accomplished by November 15, 2017 include: