In 2008, the North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services (NDHHS) and the North Dakota Long Term Care Association (NDLTCA) partnered to increase emergency preparedness activities for the long term care facilities throughout the state. Grant funding under the Healthcare Preparedness Program (also referred to as the Hospital Preparedness Program) was delegated to NDLTCA in order to hire a part-time position to assist in preparing facilities for potential emergencies. In 2009, flooding in the Red River Valley reminded all of us about the importance of planning and collaboration. Long term care facilities were evacuated and residents placed throughout the state. The challenges were overwhelming, but we worked together and learned a great deal about what we would do better “next time.” We were faced with flood threats in 2010, but the result was not evacuation. The coalition in Fargo, as well as with other entities throughout the state, was stronger and better prepared than the year before. In 2011, Minot, and much of the rest of the state, was overcome with water. Once again, we were reminded that we can get better at preparing, and that relationships are critical.
Each year we are faced with emergency situations and 2020-23 has been the most challenging as we come together to fight the COVID-19 pandemic.
These web pages will help you better prepare for, or recover from, a disaster. There is guidance on how to request and respond to HAN (Health Alert Networks) drills and real events. We have included information on completing and working with Healthcare (HC) standard. There is also links to lists of contact information for city, county, and state resources for building strong relationships with emergency responders in your community.
The EPR division of the Department of Health and Human Services will also assist you with completion of training and exercising to satisfy reporting requirements and prepare for an emergency that may happen in the future.
North Dakota Department of Health & Human Services Emergency Preparedness & Response Section
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Long Term Care Emergency Preparedness Video
(Video was developed by the Virginia Department of Health to be an educational tool for in-service staff training on emergency preparedness specific to long-term care facilities. Major points include; preparation, sheltering in place and evacuation.)
CDC Community Transmission Level Testing Map Use this Map to comply with QSO-20-39-NH (Visitation)_9.23.22 and QSO-20-38-NH (Testing)_9.23.22
LTC Infection Prevention Recommendations 10-2022 FINAL The NDHHS HAI Team’s recommendations following CDC Guidance
LTC Testing Reference Guide_8.2022 Follows the CDC and CMS guidance on when to perform COVID-19 testing
AHCA/NCAL COVID Vaccination & Bivalent Booster FAQs Per AHCA/NCAL Handout
COVID-19 Pandemic Sample AAR/IP – (AHCA Developed)- June 2021 | This sample is a template that is editable.
Certified Nurse Aide Emergency Recruitment Program 9.8.22 State Grant program to provide $2000 incentive for CNAs
NDHHS DOC Assistance The NDHHS EPR (Emergency Preparedness Response) DOC (Department Operations Center) is here to help!
AHCA’S 2022 Emergency Preparedness Resource for LTC AHCA Emergency Preparedness Plan Companion Webinar: Developing & Maintaining a Comprehensive Emergency Preparedness Program
SNF EP Back to the Basics – Survey E-Tags and most Recent Federal Survey E-Tags Back to the Basics in Emergency Preparedness for Skilled Nursing Facilities from 2022 Fall Conference
NDLTCA Emergency Preparedness Webinar – QSO 21-15-ALL (6.17.21) This webinar covers the most recent changes to CMS regulation on Emergency Preparedness
Tabletop Exercise: HC Standard Resident Tracking/Evacuation Training with AAR/IP from Annual Spring Convention (5/4/22) | Use as a training exercise within your facility.
Presentation Slides: Winter Storm / Shelter-in-Place Tabletop & After Action Report/Improvement Plan
Presentation Slides: HC Standard Bed Availability -Resident Tracking & HC Standard Mobile App
Tabletop Exercise: Aggressive Winter Storm from Winter Conference (12/14/21) (RECORDING). | Use as a training exercise within your facility.
Presentation slides: Winter Storm Tabletop
Tabletop Exercise Plan: Situation Manual – Winter Storm
Click on Link to Recording: Aggressive Winter Storm Tabletop Exercise Recording
Tabletop Exercise: Ransomware from Annual Convention (8/25/21) (RECORDING). | Use as a training exercise within your facility.
Presentation slides: Ransomware Cyber Security Event
Click on Link to recording: Ransomware Tabletop Exercise
Rapid Response Guide/Emergency Protocols
State Medical Assets Video | (Upcoming) Short video showing what the NDDoH Emergency Preparedness & Response Section can set up during a disaster.
Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) Template | An evolving template of resources, tools, and checklists to assist facilities with the development, maintenance, and implementation of their all-hazard emergency operations plan.
Assisted Living & Basic Care Facilities Emergency Operations Plan template (EOP) /Emergency Operations Plan template fillable form that will provide a basic Emergency Operations Plan Assisted Living & Basic Care specific EOP Template