All staff must have emergency management training that is relevant to their job upon hire and have a refresher annually. Facilities must participate in an annual exercise that tests the plan and must identify opportunities for improvement. In addition, a comprehensive exercise or a tabletop exercise that includes facilitator-led discussion should be considered.
This new regulation provides an opportunity for the laboratory to become more involved in the planning of exercises. Testing can include:
- How the laboratory is informed about the event as it unfolds
- How the laboratory communicates to the event management team
- How specimens are collected, labeled, and transported to the laboratory
- How testing is performed, restricted, deferred, or referred to another facility
- How results are being received by the individuals currently providing care to the patient
