Section 1020. Plan for emergencies

A. A written plan shall be developed for each of the following situations: (i) medical and mental health emergencies, (ii) wandering and missing participants, (iii) building evacuations, (iv) severe weather and loss of utilities, and (v) transportation emergencies. Professionals in the appropriate fields shall be consulted in preparing these plans.

B. Plan for medical and mental health emergencies.

1. There shall be instructions for handling medical emergencies such as (i) calling the rescue squad, ambulance service, or participant's physician, and (ii) providing first aid and CPR, if appropriate.

2. A specific plan shall be developed for handling mental health emergencies such as, but not limited to, catastrophic reaction or the need for a temporary detention order.

3. Pertinent medical information and history shall be made available to the rescue squad or sent with the participant if hospitalized, or both. This should include any advance directive information.

4. The participant's family or personal representative and physician shall be notified as soon as possible.

C. Plan for wandering and missing participants.

1. If the center serves participants who wander, a door bell or alarm shall be installed or attached to alert staff to wandering participants.

2. A plan shall be developed that outlines the procedures to be followed in the event of a missing participant. The procedure shall include, but not be limited to:

a. Notification of internal staff;

b. Areas to be searched;

c. Notification of emergency personnel;

d. Notification of family or personal representative; and

e. Expectations upon locating the participant, such as medical attention and documentation requirements.

D. Plan for building evacuation.

1. There shall be a written plan for emergency evacuations. The plan shall include procedures to be followed in the event of a fire or other emergency.

2. A drawing, showing exits, telephones, fire extinguishers and fire alarm boxes, if any, shall be posted.

3. A copy of the emergency plan shall be posted in a conspicuous place on each floor of each building.

4. Evacuation drills shall be held in accordance with the requirements of the Virginia Statewide Fire Prevention Code.

5. A record of the required evacuation drills shall be kept at the center for one year. The record shall include:

a. The date of the drill;

b. The time required to evacuate;

c. The total number of staff and participants involved;

d. Problems encountered, if any; and

e. The names of any participants who were present in the center and who did not take part in the drill, and the reasons.

E. Plan for severe weather and loss of utilities.

1. A written plan shall be developed that shall include general procedures to be followed during loss of utilities or during severe weather, including plans for relocating participants if necessary.

2. Emergency equipment shall be available for use in the event of loss of utilities such as, but not limited to, a working flashlight, extra batteries, a portable radio, and a telephone.

3. A plan shall be in place to provide an emergency meal and a supply of water to all participants in the event that meals are not able to be prepared.

F. Plan for transportation emergencies.

1. For centers that are responsible for transporting participants, a plan shall be developed that outlines the procedures to be followed in the event of a vehicle emergency. This plan shall be readily accessible in the vehicle and shall include:

a. A method to communicate with the center;

b. A list of participants' names;

c. Telephone numbers for vehicle repair; and

d. Options for alternate transportation.

2. For centers that contract transportation, the center shall ensure that emergency procedures are in place.

3. A plan shall be developed that outlines the procedures to be followed in the event that a participant's scheduled transportation does not arrive or the participant is stranded at the center.

G. A generic number such as 911 shall be posted in a conspicuous place near each telephone. If a generic number is not available, the following numbers shall be posted near each phone:

1. A physician or hospital;

2. An ambulance or rescue squad service;

3. The local fire department; and

4. The local police department.

H. A written record shall be made and kept on file of all emergencies. This record shall include:

1. Date;

2. Type of emergency;

3. Names of any participants requiring medical treatment;

4. Description of the outcome of the emergency; and

5. Date and time other persons or agencies were contacted, utilized, and notified.

I. The Department of Social Services, Division of Licensing Programs, shall be notified within 24 hours following the incident any time the police or fire department must be called because of an emergency such as fire, natural disaster, or criminal activity.

Historical Notes

Derived from VR615-21-02 § 7.7, eff. April 1, 1987; amended, Volume 16, Issue 12, eff. July 1, 2000.

Statutory Authority

§§ 63.2-217 and 63.2-1733 of the Code of Virginia.