Healthcare organizations in Los Angeles County face a unique set of challenges in ensuring the continuity of their operations during emergencies. From earthquakes and wildfires to pandemics and cyberattacks, the potential for disruption is significant. To address these challenges, the Los Angeles County Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Agency plays a crucial role in promoting healthcare business continuity planning (BCP). This report examines the efforts of the EMS Agency and its partners in fostering resilience within the healthcare system of Los Angeles County.
The Los Angeles County EMS Agency takes a proactive approach to healthcare BCP, recognizing the importance of preparedness in mitigating the impact of disasters and other emergencies. The agency promotes BCP through the Hospital Preparedness Program (HPP) for participating hospitals and other members of the Los Angeles County Healthcare Coalition (HCC)1. This program is targeted towards Healthcare Emergency Managers, Hospital Preparedness Program (HPP) grant managers, and Clinical Directors of Long-Term Care Centers, Clinics, Surgery Centers, Dialysis Centers, Home Health/Hospice entities, and others directly responsible for healthcare continuity planning2. The EMS Agency emphasizes the following key aspects of BCP: 2
The EMS Agency provides resources and support to healthcare organizations in their BCP efforts. This includes a BCP template and instruction manual, webinars, and workshops4. These resources are available on the EMS Agency website4.
The HPP is a federally funded program administered by the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). It is the primary source of federal funding for healthcare preparedness and response in the US5. In Los Angeles County, the EMS Agency oversees the HPP, which provides funding and guidance to hospitals to enhance their preparedness for emergencies6. Hospital recipients of HPP funds are required to attend the in-person Seminar Session and will have registration priority2. The HPP requires participating hospitals to meet specific requirements, including: 7
The Los Angeles County EMS Agency collaborates with the California Department of Public Health to coordinate medical and public health responses during emergencies. This collaboration ensures a comprehensive and coordinated approach to addressing the health needs of the community during and after incidents8. This inter-agency coordination is crucial for effective emergency response, enabling efficient resource allocation, information sharing, and coordinated decision-making.
The HPP plays a vital role in ensuring that hospitals have the necessary resources and capabilities to respond effectively to a wide range of emergencies, from natural disasters to public health threats.
The HCC is a collaborative network of healthcare organizations, emergency management agencies, and public health agencies in Los Angeles County6. The HCC facilitates communication, coordination, and resource sharing among its members to enhance preparedness and response capabilities9. The California Association of Health Facilities (CAHF) plays a unique role within this network, serving as a disaster preparedness liaison for long-term care facilities in LA County. This highlights the comprehensive nature of the county's preparedness network, extending beyond hospitals to encompass various healthcare providers10.
The HCC provides a platform for healthcare organizations to share best practices, participate in training exercises, and collaborate on emergency planning.
The Los Angeles County EMS Agency offers a variety of resources and guides to assist healthcare organizations in their BCP efforts. These resources include: 4
In addition to the resources provided by the EMS Agency, healthcare organizations can also access continuity planning guidance and resources from the California Governor's Office of Emergency Services (CalOES)11.
The EMS Agency highlighted the response of Ridgecrest Regional Hospital to the 2019 Ridgecrest Earthquake during its 2023 Healthcare Business Continuity Plan Seminar2. This example demonstrates the importance of BCP in enabling healthcare facilities to maintain operations and provide essential care during and after emergencies.
Hospitals in Los Angeles County face a range of risks that can disrupt their operations. These risks include: 12
To mitigate these risks, the HPP employs a multi-pronged approach that includes providing funding and guidance to hospitals to enhance their preparedness and response capabilities6. This includes support for: 5
By strengthening the resilience of hospitals, the HPP helps to mitigate the impact of these risks and ensure the continuity of healthcare services during emergencies.
The HPP provides a framework for hospitals to address specific risks through a variety of mechanisms:
By addressing these specific risks, the HPP helps to ensure that hospitals in Los Angeles County are prepared to maintain essential healthcare services during a wide range of emergencies.
The Los Angeles County EMS Agency plays a critical role in promoting healthcare BCP. Through the HPP, the HCC, and various resources and guides, the agency supports healthcare organizations in their efforts to prepare for and respond to emergencies. The HPP stands out as a crucial program, being the primary source of federal funding for healthcare preparedness and response in the US. This funding enables hospitals to acquire essential equipment, develop robust emergency plans, and conduct training exercises to enhance their resilience.
The HCC further strengthens the preparedness network by fostering collaboration and communication among healthcare organizations, emergency management agencies, and public health agencies. The inclusion of CAHF as a liaison for long-term care facilities demonstrates the comprehensive approach to preparedness in Los Angeles County.
The EMS Agency's efforts in promoting a culture of preparedness and collaboration are essential for ensuring the resilience of the healthcare system in Los Angeles County. However, it is important to recognize that BCP is not a static process. The evolving nature of risks and emergencies requires continuous improvement and adaptation. Healthcare organizations must remain vigilant, regularly review and update their BCPs, and actively participate in training and exercises to ensure their ongoing readiness. By embracing a proactive and adaptive approach to BCP, healthcare organizations in Los Angeles County can effectively mitigate the impact of emergencies and ensure the continued delivery of essential healthcare services to the community.