SNFs and Homeland Security - View on Washington - Skilled nursing facility

Nursing Homes, May, 2003 by Michael J. Stoil

Federal legislation provides the possibility of financial compensation for SNFs that must be repaired or evacuated following a federally declared disaster. Publicly owned and not-for-profit nursing homes may apply to FEMA for grants to cover the costs of transporting residents in an evacuation, as well as the overtime and extra-hire salaries required in staffing the evacuation; other funds for disaster response are available as low-interest loans.

In general, however, response to an emergency caused either by a terrorist act, an accident, or an "act of God" remains largely in the hands of the local community. FEMA's recommendations are no different from what any responsible community should be contemplating. "You never know where the next disaster is coming from or what it will be," says one official, "but the kind of basic planning that FEMA has supported for years can't hurt, and can most definitely help in a time of crisis."

To comment on this article, please send e-mail to stoil0503@nursinghomesmagazine.com