W. Va. Code R. § 64-75-10 - Fire Safety, Disaster and Emergency Preparedness

10.1. Fire Safety.

10.1.a. The licensee shall provide evidence of compliance with applicable rules of the State fire commission. The state fire marshal's written approval is required for any variation to compliance with the fire code, and the variation shall be coordinated with the secretary. (Class I)

10.2. Disaster and Emergency Preparedness.

10.2.a. The residential care community shall have a written disaster and emergency preparedness plan which states procedures to be followed in the event of an internal or external disaster or emergency which could severely affect the operation of the residential care community. (Class I)

10.2.b. The disaster and emergency preparedness plan shall have procedures for the following situations at minimum and shall identify specific tasks and responsibilities for all employees in the event of the following: missing residents; high winds; tornadoes; floods; bomb threats; utility failure; and severe winter weather. (Class I)

10.2.c. The disaster and emergency preparedness plan shall include at least an emergency water agreement; an alternate shelter agreement; an emergency transportation policy; and an emergency food supply list and menu which will provide nutrition for all persons residing in the residential care community for a minimum of seventy-two (72) hours. (Class I)

10.2.d. The licensee shall obtain the assistance of qualified fire safety, emergency response teams and other appropriate experts in developing and maintaining the disaster and emergency preparedness plan. Documentation by the expert shall be maintained in the residential care community. (Class I)

10.2.e. The licensee shall provide the local fire department with a floor plan and with the opportunity to become familiar with the residential care community. (Class I)

10.2.f. The residential care community shall have written plans and procedures for transferring casualties and uninjured residents. These procedures shall include the transfer of pertinent resident records including identification information, diagnoses, allergies, advanced directives, medications and treatments, and any other records needed to ensure continuity of care. (Class I)

10.2.g. There shall be copies of the disaster and emergency preparedness plan at all staff stations or emergency control stations. The disaster and emergency preparedness plan shall be located in an area that allows visual contact at all times. Staff shall know the location at all times. (Class I)

10.2.h. The disaster and emergency preparedness plan shall be reviewed and updated by the administrator or his or her designee on an annual basis and signed and dated to verify review. (Class III)

10.2.i. Emergency call information shall be conspicuously posted near each telephone in the residential care community, exclusive of telephones in resident rooms. This information shall include at least the following:

10.2.i.1. The telephone numbers of the fire department, the police, an ambulance service and other appropriate emergency services; (Class I)

10.2.i.2. Key personnel telephone numbers, including at least the following: the administrator; physician (if applicable); or the nurse on call (if applicable); (Class I) and

10.2.i.3. The names and telephone numbers of all other personnel to be called in case of fire or emergency. (Class I)

10.2.j. Simple floor plans showing the location of exits, fire alarm pull stations, fire extinguishers, and fire fighting equipment shall be posted on all floors and in each separate wing.

(Class I)

10.3. Disaster Training and Rehearsal.

10.3.a. Within twenty-four (24) hours of admission, the disaster and emergency preparedness plan procedures shall be clearly communicated by the staff to the resident and documented. (Class I)

10.3.b. The disaster and emergency preparedness plan shall be rehearsed by all personnel from all shifts once yearly, and the rehearsals shall be documented in the residential care community's records. (Class I)

Notes

W. Va. Code R. § 64-75-10