In just two weeks, November 7-9, 2017, the Association of Healthcare Emergency Preparedness Professionals (AHEPP) will converge in Dallas, Texas, for its Annual Conference. Here, administrators, emergency preparedness coordinators, RNs and other individuals in the public health preparedness field, will share the latest research and best practices, as well as network and collaborate on ways to move preparedness forward.

Ironically (or not), the conference will take place only a few days before the November 15 deadline for healthcare facilities across the country to comply with the CMS Emergency Preparedness Rule.

The ruling, which impacts providers receiving Medicare and Medicaid funding, requires participating organizations to meet best practice standards for emergency planning; policies and procedures; communications; and training and testing. If they do not comply, they stand to lose these critical reimbursements, which could put them at serious financial risk.

Listed on the AHEPP conference agenda are several sessions covering these key areas of emergency preparedness. Among them is the November 8 keynote address, CMS Preparedenss Rule, to be presented by Caecilia Blondioux, Health Insurance Specialist for CMS (Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services), and Lori Upton, Director of Regional Preparedness for Southeast Texas Regional Advisory Council.

Online planning software leader, BOLDplanning, will sponsor this timely and informative track. The company will also occupy a booth during conference exhibit hours, engaging attendees on the topic of CMS Rule compliance and providing demonstrations of its online