Emergency Management – Incident Command Structure
Are organizations required to use National Incident Management System (NIMS) as an incident command structure?
Any examples are for illustrative purposes only.
The Joint Commission's requirements for incident command at EM.12.01.01, EP 5 includes an incident command structure that describes the overall incident command operations, specific roles and responsibilities, and provides a structure that is flexible and scalable based on the needs of the organization during an emergency or disaster incident. Incident command staff are to be trained to be competent to effectively accomplish their assigned duties, command roles and responsibilities (EM.15.01.01, EP 4).
Reference EM.12.01.01
The Joint Commission does not specifically require the use of the National Incident Management System (NIMS) for its incident command structure. Some organizations may choose to use NIMS as an incident command structure. If the organization is required to use NIMS by their state or local controlling authority, then per standard LD.04.01.01, the requirements of that controlling authority with regard to NIMS implementation must be followed.
The Joint Commission's requirements for incident command at EM.12.01.01, EP 5 includes an incident command structure that describes the overall incident command operations, specific roles and responsibilities, and provides a structure that is flexible and scalable based on the needs of the organization during an emergency or disaster incident. Incident command staff are to be trained to be competent to effectively accomplish their assigned duties, command roles and responsibilities (EM.15.01.01, EP 4).
Manual:
Critical Access Hospital
Chapter:
Emergency Management EM
New or updated requirements last added: June 13, 2022.
New or updated requirements may be based on revisions to current accreditation requirements, regulatory changes, and/or an updated interpretation in response to industry changes. Substantive changes to accreditation requirements are also published in the Perspective Newsletter that is available to all Joint Commission accredited organizations.
Last reviewed by Standards Interpretation: June 13, 2022
Represents the most recent date that the FAQ was reviewed (e.g. annual review).
This page was last updated on June 13, 2022
with update notes of: Reflects new or updated requirements
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Reflects new or updated requirements: Changes represent new or revised requirements.