S.C. Code Regs. § § 61-93.1400.1401

Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 10, October 25, 2024

Section 61-93.1400.1401 - Disaster Preparedness (II)

A. All Residential Facilities shall develop, by contact and consultation with their county emergency preparedness agency, a written plan for actions to be taken in the event of a disaster and implement the written plan for actions at the time of need. Prior to initial licensing of a Facility by the Department, the completed plan shall be submitted to the Department for review. At the time of each License renewal, a completed form prescribed and furnished by the Department addressing specific components of the plan shall be included with each application submitted to the Department. All Staff and Volunteers shall be made familiar with this plan and instructed as to any required actions. A copy of the plan shall be available for Inspection by the Patient and/or responsible party and the Department upon request. The plan shall be reviewed and updated Annually, and as appropriate. The Facility shall conduct and document a rehearsal of the emergency and disaster evacuation plan at least Annually and shall not require Patient participation.

B. The disaster plan for Residential Facilities shall include, but not be limited to:

1. A sheltering plan to include:

a. The licensed bed capacity and average occupancy rate;

b. Name, address, and phone number of the sheltering facility(ies) to which the Patients will be relocated during a disaster; and

c. A letter of agreement signed by an authorized representative of each sheltering facility that shall include: the number of relocated Patients that can be accommodated; sleeping, feeding, and medication plans for the relocated Patients; and provisions for accommodating relocated staff. The letter shall be updated annually with the sheltering facility and whenever significant changes occur. For those facilities located in Beaufort, Berkeley, Charleston, Colleton, Dorchester, Horry, Jasper, and Georgetown counties, at least one (1) sheltering facility must be located in a county other than these counties.

2. A transportation plan to include agreements with entities for relocating Patients that addresses:

a. The number and type of vehicles required;

b. How and when the vehicles are to be obtained;

c. Who (by name or organization) will provide drivers;

d. Procedures for providing appropriate medical support during relocation;

e. The estimated time to accomplish the relocation; and

f. The primary and secondary routes to be taken to the sheltering facility.

3. A staffing plan for the relocated Patients to include:

a. How care will be provided to the relocated Patients including the number and type of Staff;

b. Plans for relocating Staff or assuring transportation to the sheltering facility; and

c. Co-signed statement by an authorized representative of the sheltering facility if staffing will be provided by the sheltering facility.

4. A written, signed, and dated statement from the county emergency preparedness agency verifying the Facility's plan was developed and reviewed through contact and consultation with the county emergency preparedness agency.

C. During any emergent event, the Facility shall provide data, Facility and evacuation status, and other requested information as determined by the Department, and at a frequency as determined by the Department.

D. Evacuation is a temporary measure in order to evacuate Patients from potentially hazardous and/or harmful circumstances and shall not exceed seven (7) calendar days. In the event evacuated Patients are unable to return to the Facility within seven (7) days due to damage to the Facility or its components, the lack of electricity and/or water, or other similar reasons, the Facility shall endeavor to assess each Patient's current condition and identify each Patient's current needs and preferences. Based on the resources available, the Facility shall implement each Patient's Discharge plan. For Patients needing assistance or support following Discharge, the Facility shall coordinate the transfer of the Patients to their responsible parties or to appropriately licensed Facilities capable of meeting the Patients' needs. Prior to the seventh (7th) day, if the Facility determines an extension of time is needed, the Facility may request approval from the Department.

S.C. Code Regs. § 61-93.1400.1401

Added by State Register Volume 44, Issue No. 06, eff. 6/26/2020.