Healthcare Emergency Policy

HEALTHCARE EMERGENCY POLICY

Patient Information

Insurance Information

Medical History (Relevant to Emergency Care)

Policy Purpose and Scope

Purpose: This Healthcare Emergency Policy establishes facility procedures to protect patient safety, preserve continuity of critical medical services, and ensure prompt communication during any event that threatens normal operations. This policy applies to all patients, staff, contractors, visitors, and volunteers while on facility premises and to off-site operations under the control of facility leadership.

Activation Criteria and Incident Classification

The facility will activate emergency procedures when an event presents an immediate risk to life, property, public health, or the ability to provide essential medical services. Common activation triggers include, but are not limited to:

Authority, Roles, and Responsibilities

The Incident Commander has authority to implement this policy and to reassign resources as necessary. Clinical leaders will prioritize patient safety and allocation of limited resources according to established triage and standards of care for emergency conditions. Security staff will manage access and ensure scene safety. Facilities and engineering will implement life-safety measures and maintain building systems. Detailed role descriptions and delegated authorities are maintained in facility administrative records and exercises.

Patient Care, Triage, and Transfer

During activation, clinical triage will be performed to prioritize care based on survivability and resource availability. Patients may be relocated within the facility, transferred to alternate care sites, or discharged as clinically appropriate. All transfers will be documented in the medical record with reason for transfer and receiving facility when applicable. If evacuation is required, staff will follow designated evacuation routes and patient movement plans to preserve continuity of care.

Communication and Notification

The facility will maintain an emergency notification roster to inform patients, staff, and emergency contacts. Patient emergency contact to notify: Name: — Phone:

Privacy, Records, and HIPAA Considerations

In emergency situations, the facility may disclose protected health information (PHI) to the minimum extent necessary to respond to the emergency, coordinate care, notify emergency contacts, or comply with public health reporting obligations. Such disclosures will be recorded in the patient record, including the purpose, recipient, and legal basis for the disclosure.

I authorize the facility to disclose necessary health information to my emergency contact as needed to facilitate care during an emergency. Authorization expiration date:

Patient Rights and Limitations

Patients retain the right to make informed decisions about their care to the extent feasible during an emergency. When clinical conditions or safety considerations limit options, staff will document the rationale for altered care or limitations in services. The facility does not assume liability for outcomes arising solely from conditions beyond its control, provided that staff acted reasonably and in accordance with this policy and applicable standards of care.

Training, Drills, and Continuous Improvement

The facility will conduct periodic training and drills to validate emergency procedures. After-action reviews will document lessons learned and required corrective actions. Participation in drills is required for patients who are inpatients when such drills affect their care, unless clinically contraindicated.

Documentation and Records

All emergency-related actions, including patient triage decisions, transfers, clinical deviations, and disclosures of PHI, will be entered into the official medical record with date, time, and responsible clinician. After-action reports and corrective action plans will be retained according to facility retention schedules.

Acknowledgement and Patient Consent for Emergency Procedures

By signing below, I acknowledge that I have received and read a copy of the facility's Healthcare Emergency Policy, that staff explained the facility's procedures for notification, triage, relocation, and transfer in the event of an emergency, and that I understand the facility may disclose limited PHI to my designated emergency contact and to other providers as necessary to provide care. I understand that I may withdraw the authorization to notify my emergency contact in writing, however withdrawal will not apply to disclosures already made.

Additional Notes

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