The CMS Emergency Preparedness Rule: Challenges for Rural Medical Centers

Abstract

This study examines how rural medical centers in Northwest Missouri achieve emergency planning compliance with the current Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) emergency preparedness rule. This 2017 study focused on rural hospitals, critical access hospitals, and long‐term care facilities. An exploratory qualitative research study with an interpretive phenomenological approach was applied. Data were gathered from 11 face‐to‐face interviews with medical centers’ emergency and disaster planners in Northwest Missouri. Several categories and subcategories were identified in the data and developed into themes. Thematic analysis indicated significant barriers, including a CMS unfunded mandate, preparedness conducted by a single individual with other duties, lack of a whole community approach, and a lack of financial planning by medical center administration, hinder compliance with the CMS rule, necessary to mitigate nationwide emergencies. All participants agreed to the development of the emergency operations plan, which is essential for compliance. The findings from this study support the need for additional planning staff, time, and training to understand the elements of preparedness. Compliance with the CMS emergency preparedness rule cannot be achieved unless identified barriers are addressed.