Audience:
CEOs, chief medical officers, chief nursing officers, chief operating officers, compliance officers, legal counsel, emergency preparedness coordinators, engineering staff, nurses, quality professionals, risk managers

The following program content was provided by the speaker.

Overview:
Many hospitals have become weary of the emphasis on emergency preparedness since the COVID-19 pandemic. But the next emergency is right around the corner whether it be a virus or a cyberattack. Have you maintained vigilance in your preparation activities? CMS has updated their regulations and interpretative guidelines since the original publication in 2016. This presentation will discuss these updates, including required policies, procedures, training and exercises.

Objectives:
Upon completion of this program, participants will be able to:

- Describe the basic policies and procedures to comply with the regulations and interpretative guidelines
- Describe the latest updates to CMS’ emergency preparedness interpretative guidelines
- Discuss commonly cited emergency preparedness deficiencies
- Discuss required training and exercises

Speaker
Nancy Ruzicka is a consultant on state and federal rules, regulations and interpretative guidelines. Ruzicka previously worked as director of integrity and compliance and privacy official at MercyOne Des Moines and director of regulatory compliance at UnityPoint Health-Des Moines. She also has more than 20 years of experience with the Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals. Ruzicka holds master’s degrees in health law and business administration and a bachelor’s degree in pharmacy, all from Drake University. She is certified in health care compliance and maintains her Iowa pharmacy license.