Complete Story
07/30/2025
Emergency Preparedness Guidelines – Public Comment Period Open
The Quality in Assisted Living Collaborative (QALC), which includes ASHA, Argentum, and other national organizations, is seeking input on proposed emergency preparedness guidelines developed specifically for assisted living communities.
These draft guidelines offer structured recommendations to help providers address a wide range of emergency scenarios, including fire, natural disasters, pandemics, and other critical events. The document includes best practices for hazard vulnerability assessments, evacuation procedures, shelter-in-place protocols, staff training, and plan review.
Among the key suggestions outlined in the 29-page draft is the appointment of a designated emergency preparedness coordinator within each assisted living community. The guidelines also recommend conducting a hazard vulnerability assessment to identify and rank potential risks specific to the location and operations of the facility.
This approach enables leadership teams to tailor their emergency planning to address the scenarios most likely to occur, ensuring that preparedness efforts are both targeted and effective
Public comments are open through September 8, 2025, and feedback will be reviewed by the QALC Emergency Preparedness Workgroup before final guidelines are released in 2026.
We encourage Ohio assisted living providers to participate in this review process and share their perspectives. This is a valuable opportunity to shape a national framework that reflects practical considerations and safeguards continuity of care.
OALA will continue monitoring this effort and provide members with updates as the guidelines progress.
