Emergency Preparedness
The important role of hospitals in emergency response has been proven time and time again in our state.  From planning for pandemic flu to responding to historic flooding in 2010, hospitals and state government frequently collaborate in the public interest.  Such actions are rarely visible, but produce coordinated services to benefit all Rhode Islanders.  The work of preparing for an emergency is never complete.  There are always new technologies, resources and scenarios.  In addition, new personnel and updated equipment call for ongoing drills and exercises to test the plans that have been put in place.  Emergency preparedness is a responsibility hospitals take seriously.
Hospital Preparedness Planning Committee The Hospital Preparedness Planning Committee (HPPC) was established in 2000 and continues to serve as a forum for cooperation and collaboration among hospitals, the Rhode Island Department of Health (HEALTH), the Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency, and other appropriate agencies and organizations.  The committee’s mission is the development of a networked plan of cooperation and interaction involving the response of all hospitals and other health are facilities in the state to a public health crisis, including bioterrorism.  The goals of the HPPC include: Review and continually assess emergency planning activities of hospital, other health care facilities and emergency response agencies. Identify needed resources and training to produce a networked plan of cooperation and interaction in a public health crisis.  Coordinate and integrate external hospital emergency planning and response efforts.  Develop a networked plan for response in Rhode Island. Serve as a forum for hospitals to share “best practices” on key emergency preparedness functions. Assist in policy development and process implementation of standardized approaches to issues across the state’s health care system. Work to fulfill the requirements of the Hospital Preparedness Program.