* EC: Emergency Management: Getting started with the crisis standards of care, part 2 (PDF/QV) [REF: GB, EC, LDR, SFT] EC News, December 2015, Vol 18, #12, Pg 1 JCe1512_B5

Part 1 of this article was published in November issue of EOC News. It served to provide some history, a few definitions and announce the existence of planning efforts for the development of Crisis Standards of Care (CSC).  Part 2 reveals that these planning efforts are still in very early stages of development for most states.  Be aware that “In 2012, the federal government required the 62 jurisdictions receiving federal emergency management funding to develop crisis standards of care in collaboration with the hospitals and other medical and mental health providers in their states, municipalities, and territories.” Although mental health agencies are specifically named to be included in such planning, it is unclear to what extent that is presently occurring.  The bulk of the article provides suggested beginning steps for the required planning for CSC standards. However, there is also a Joint Commission Standards/CSC Planning Matrix provided on page 3 that shows TJC standards (mostly EM and LD) relevant to key CSC planning issues.
Tip: While this will most likely occur first at higher levels of your state government, hospital leadership should make sure its governing body is aware of this issue and encourage them to determine the status of planning within your state.
Tip: See also:
• Crisis Standards of Care Planning in Chicago and Illinois: An Overview
• Indiana Crisis Standards of Patient Care Guidance …
• Louisiana Crisis Standards of Care Guidelines in Disasters
• Crisis Standard of Care White Paper – Northern Virginia …