As wildfires continue to affect the West Coast, the AASM reminds you that financial assistance is available through the AASM Foundation Disaster Relief Fund. AASM members and AASM-accredited member sleep facilities that need assistance in the aftermath of any natural disaster should contact the AASM Foundation at foundation@aasm.org.
To ensure that medical care and operations continue during the wildfire emergency, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Alex Azar declared a public health emergency for the state of Oregon on Sept. 16, retroactive to Sept. 8. Because of this declaration, health care providers and suppliers are to have emergency preparedness programs based on an all hazards approach, as explained in these CMS webinars in the Quality, Safety & Education Portal (QSEP). Viewers will see that the same waivers used during the COVID-19 public health emergency will be made available for the duration of the wildfire emergency in Oregon. This includes waivers for medical equipment and replacement supplies.
Learn more from CMS about emergency preparedness and response operations and emergency preparedness requirements.
Photo: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. SciJinks.
