The hurricane hit at 2 AM. Half the staff couldn't find the emergency plan. The other half didn't know one existed.
The CMS Emergency Preparedness Rule requires healthcare facilities to maintain emergency plans, policies, communication procedures, and training programs. When something goes wrong, your team's response depends on training they received before the emergency. EZBunny's course covers the four core elements and what every worker needs to know.
Start 14-day free trialCMS requires emergency preparedness plans and training for all Medicare/Medicaid-participating facilities under 42 CFR 482/484/485/491.
Course Details
15 minutes
OSHA Safety
OSHA / CMS
Online, self-paced
What your team will learn
- Why the CMS Emergency Preparedness Rule exists and which facilities it covers
- The all-hazards approach to emergency planning
- The four core elements: risk assessment, policies/procedures, communication plan, training/testing
- What your facility's emergency plan must include
- Communication plan requirements (internal and external contacts, backup systems)
- Training and testing requirements (drills, tabletop exercises)
- Your specific role during an emergency
Who needs this training?
Required for CMS-participating facilities. R = Required by regulation. S = Strongly recommended. N/A = Not applicable for this setting.
| Practice Type | Status | Authority |
|---|---|---|
| Home Health Agencies | Required | CMS CoP 42 CFR 484.102 |
| Ambulatory Surgery Centers (ASCs) | Required | CMS CoP 42 CFR 416.54 |
| Community Health Centers (FQHCs) | Recommended | HRSA requirements |
| Behavioral Health & SUD Treatment | Recommended | CARF |
| Dental Offices | Recommended | Dental board CE in many states |
| Urgent Care Centers | Recommended | AAAHC (if accredited) |
| Physician Practices & Medical Groups | Not explicitly required | Generally recommended for larger practices |
| Mental Health Private Practices | N/A | Office-based, minimal emergency preparedness needs |
| Telehealth Providers | N/A | No physical facility |
Which roles must complete this training?
All staff in CMS-participating facilities. Key roles include:
- Registered Nurses: Primary patient care during emergencies
- Agency Administrators: Responsible for emergency plan development and maintenance
- Center Directors: Overall facility emergency coordination
- OR Nurses / Surgical Staff: Patient safety during surgical emergencies
- Program Directors: Staff coordination and communication chain management
CMS requires training at hire and annually thereafter. Two testing exercises per year are also required.
Common Emergency Preparedness training questions
Which healthcare facilities must comply with the CMS Emergency Preparedness Rule?
All facilities that participate in Medicare or Medicaid must comply. This includes hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, home health agencies, hospices, long-term care facilities, and community health centers. The specific requirements vary by facility type, but all must address the four core elements.
What are the four core elements of the CMS Emergency Preparedness Rule?
The four core elements are: (1) a risk assessment and emergency plan based on an all-hazards approach, (2) policies and procedures for emergencies, (3) a communication plan for internal and external coordination, and (4) a training and testing program. The training and testing program must include drills and tabletop exercises. Each element must be documented and reviewed annually.
How often must emergency preparedness training and drills occur?
CMS requires training at hire and annually thereafter. Facilities must conduct two testing exercises per year - at least one must be either a community-based full-scale exercise or an individual facility-based functional exercise. The other can be a tabletop exercise. Documentation of all training and drills is required.
What should I do during an actual emergency at my facility?
Follow your facility's emergency action plan. Know your assigned role, evacuation routes, shelter-in-place procedures, and communication chain. Account for patients under your care. Do not freelance - follow the plan and report to your designated supervisor. Speed and coordination save lives; improvisation creates confusion.
Make sure your team knows the plan before they need it
15 minutes per person. Certificate on completion. Start your 14-day free trial now.
Start 14-day free trialRegulatory Disclaimer
Training requirements vary by organization type, size, state, payer mix, and accreditation. This guide reflects common federal and state requirements as of April 2026 and is not legal advice. Consult your compliance officer or legal counsel for requirements specific to your organization. State-specific content currently covers CA, TX, FL, NY, and IL. Additional states may have requirements not listed here. Last reviewed: April 2026.