Weather Events in Kentucky, 2025: A Year of Extremes
The April KY Office of Inspector General Division of Health Care Long Term Care Provider Newsletter featured some important information regarding facility requirements.
Facilities have requirements when it comes to emergency preparedness and they are reviewed when the facility has a recertification survey. The requirements ensure that facilities have a plan in place to provide food, water, and pharmaceutical supplies along with items like temperature control, alternate energy, and emergency lighting. The LTC facility must conduct exercises to test the emergency plan at least annually, including unannounced staff drills using the emergency procedures. The LTC facility must do all of the following:
(i) Participate in a full-scale exercise that is community-based or, when a community-based exercise is not accessible, an individual, facility-based. If the LTC facility experiences an actual natural or man-made emergency that requires activation of the emergency plan, the LTC facility is exempt from engaging in a community-based or individual, facility-based full-scale exercise for 1 year following the onset of the actual event.
(ii) Conduct an additional exercise that may include, but is not limited to the following:
(A) A second full-scale exercise that is community-based or individual, facility-based.
(B) A tabletop exercise that includes a group discussion led by a facilitator, using a narrated, clinically-relevant emergency scenario, and a set of problem statements, directed messages, or prepared questions designed to challenge an emergency plan.
(iii) Analyze the LTC facility’s response to and maintain documentation of all drills, tabletop exercises, and emergency events, and revise the LTC facility’s emergency plan, as needed. The drills ensure the facilities are well prepared for emergency situations and have their staffed properly trained to deal with such a disaster.
As the year progresses, Kentuckians continue to adapt to the challenges posed by severe weather, demonstrating strength and unity in the face of adversity. The events of 2025 serve as a stark reminder of the importance of emergency preparedness and community support in navigating the unpredictable forces of nature.
To access the OIG newsletter or sign up to receive it visit their website.