Are hospital leaders and medical staff required to participate in developing the Emergency Operations Plan?

The revised Emergency Management (EM) chapter for Hospitals and Critical Access Hospitals includes a new standard for EM leadership (EM.10.01.01).  Hospital leadership is expected to provide oversight and support of the Emergency Management Program.
 
A multidisciplinary committee that oversees the EM program should include medical staff or physician member as well as hospital executive leadership (e.g. individuals with decision-making authority).  The multidisciplinary committee, including medical staff and hospital leadership, will be directly involved in the preparation, development, implementation, evaluation, and maintenance of the EM program, the emergency operations plan, policies, and procedures.  Their input is essential to establish the expected capabilities and duties of these entities.
  
It is also important for medical staff and executive leadership to understand the duties and capabilities for the staff that will support the emergency operations plan, and the capabilities of community support entities. Many disaster scenarios involve patient care regarding management of current patients and managing influx of patients. Hospital leaders must understand the command structure and how it functions.