How often should a facility update its emergency preparedness plan?

A facility's emergency preparedness plan should be updated at least annually or whenever significant changes occur because maintaining an up-to-date plan is crucial for ensuring the safety of residents, staff, and visitors during emergencies. Regular updates allow the facility to incorporate lessons learned from drills, recent incidents, or changes in the facility’s infrastructure, staffing, or resources. Additionally, annual reviews help align the plan with current regulations and best practices within the field of emergency management and long-term care.

Updating the plan solely based on legal mandates does not account for the dynamic nature of emergencies and the changing environment in which facilities operate. Relying on a five-year cycle would likely lead to outdated strategies that do not address current risks and operational realities. Similarly, only reviewing the plan after a major incident fails to proactively prepare for future emergencies, potentially putting individuals at risk if the facility is unprepared for similar or new emergencies that may arise. Regular updates foster a culture of preparedness and resilience, which is essential in the long-term care sector.