Recovery Plans are Essential if Disaster Strikes

October 8, 2024

ISMIE offers key steps for protecting practice operations and medical records

In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, which has claimed over 200 lives and devastated entire communities, the southeast U.S. is grappling with the severe impact of this unexpected natural disaster. Many hospitals in the region are facing varying degrees of damage, complicating emergency response efforts and patient care.

Experts warn that such disasters can significantly affect the operations of medical practices, with continuity of care and patient safety being the utmost concern. The storm serves as a stark reminder of the potential threats posed by natural calamities, highlighting the need for preparedness and resilience in the face of unpredictable challenges.

Whether a major or minor incident, it is always a good idea to have a disaster preparedness plan in place. ISMIE offers a helpful resource on emergency preparedness. It covers key considerations including business continuity plan guidance, how to handle phone disruptions, and the importance of emergency plan trainings for staff.

If disaster should strike, here’s what to do regarding medical records:

• If paper records are offsite: Do you have a list of whose records were stored in the facility? If so, be sure to contact those who were impacted. In addition to this, it is important to post a notice on your practice’s website and/or within your facility for patients who you cannot reach and who may no longer be active in your practice.

• Depending on where your records or devices are stored and potentially damaged, it is recommended that you contact the property/casualty insurance carrier and/or the management company where this information was stored to report the incident and determine if additional coverages for the loss are available.

• Lastly, be sure to check with your personal and/or corporate counsel for guidance.

In addition to thinking about safeguarding your paper records, be sure you consider how you would handle a situation in which electronic records were compromised or destroyed.

For more information, please contact our Risk Management Division by email