AHCA’s New Focus: The Emergency Protocols Your Staff Must Master Today

It has come to my attention that AHCA surveyors are now asking staff critical questions during inspections to test their knowledge of emergency protocols. When staff cannot answer confidently, facilities are being cited.

Imagine this scenario: An inspector asks your staff, “What should you do if a tornado hits the facility?” If the response is hesitation or uncertainty, your facility could face serious consequences. This is becoming a growing issue as AHCA intensifies its focus on emergency preparedness and staff training.

State regulations require that all staff must be thoroughly trained on your facility’s Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan (CEMP). Simply handing them a copy of the plan and asking them to read it isn’t enough. Your team needs to fully understand emergency procedures and be able to articulate and execute them in high-pressure situations.

At ALF Boss, we’ve developed hundreds of CEMPs and always advise facility leaders to go beyond the basics of compliance. Regular staff training and drills are essential to ensure both safety and readiness for inspections.

Here are three critical emergency scenarios your staff must be prepared to handle:

•Preparation: Identify and mark tornado shelter areas, and ensure emergency supplies are accessible.

•During the Tornado: Direct residents to shelter areas, away from windows, and maintain communication with emergency services.

•Post-Tornado: Inspect for injuries, structural damage, and safety hazards.

•Preparation: Elevate equipment and supplies above potential flood levels, and have flood barriers or sandbags ready.

•During Flooding: Relocate residents to higher floors or safe areas, and monitor evacuation orders.

•Post-Flooding: Assess structural integrity and address electrical hazards.

•Preparation: Conduct regular fire drills, and ensure staff are trained on evacuation procedures and fire extinguisher use.

•During the Fire: Alert the fire department immediately and evacuate residents to the designated safe zone.

•Post-Fire: Confirm resident safety and evaluate damage to resume operations.

When surveyors find that staff lack knowledge of emergency protocols, it’s not just a citation—it’s a warning sign of potentially life-threatening gaps in preparedness. These citations can impact your facility’s compliance history, reputation, and ability to operate effectively.

Proactive training is the solution. Schedule regular sessions to review your emergency protocols and test your staff’s knowledge. Ensure that every team member knows exactly what to do when disaster strikes.

Emergency preparedness isn’t just about compliance—it’s about protecting lives. Facilities that invest in staff training not only avoid citations but also create a safer environment for their residents and teams.

At ALF Boss, we’re here to help. With our experience in developing CEMPs and training staff, we’ll ensure your facility is prepared for inspections and emergencies alike.

Need guidance or a review of your plan? Contact us today to make sure your facility is ready.