Resources for Health Departments, Tribes and Health Care Systems
Key Topics
Cyanotoxins in Public Drinking Water Systems
In 2018, the Oregon Health Authority developed rules related to cyanotoxins in drinking water. More information can be found on the Public Health Division’s Drinking Water Services Cyanotoxin page: https://www.oregon.gov/oha/PH/HealthyEnvironments/DrinkingWater/Operations/Treatment/Pages/algae.aspx.
For key contacts and Drinking Water Services emergency preparedness page: https://www.oregon.gov/oha/PH/HEALTHYENVIRONMENTS/DRINKINGWATER/PREPAREDNESS/pages/index.aspx.
Influenza Guidance for Hospitals
Hospitals and medical providers in Oregon are encountering a high number of patients seeking medical care due to flu symptoms and an increase in bed capacity.
- Hospital Checklist (PDF):Use this checklist as a guide for hospitals and health care facilities to prepare for, and respond to medical surge.
- Hospital Medical Surge FAQ (PDF): Hospitals are seeking guidance from the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) related to surge capacity, variances, and EMS requirements. This document was developed to explain regulatory limitations and to outline potentially useful options as they respond to the current situation.
- Oregon Facility Transfer Guidance (PDF): Patient admissions and transfers during periods of widespread influenza activity can create unusually high demand for emergency and inpatient services.
Additional resources
Shortage of Saline, Other Medications and Medical Supplies (2017-2018)
Hurricane-related damage to Baxter Healthcare Corporation facilities in Puerto Rico has led to declines in production of small-volume bags of saline and other medications. The resources below may be of assistance to healthcare partners concerned about these supply shortages during this challenging time.
Additional resources
New CMS Preparedness Rules Resources (as of January 2017)
The Emergency Preparedness Requirements for Medicare and Medicaid Participating Providers and Suppliers regulation is 651 pages. The beginning is essentially the responses to suggestions and inquiries that were captured during the public comment period. The middle section details estimated costs associated with implementing the rule within provider sectors. The last 50 pages is dedicated to the breakdown of the individual rule requirements for each provider type. Find your provider type and read the requirements carefully. The core elements are essentially the same but there is distinction regarding conducting testing and some variance in infrastructure mitigation and preparation.
See the following links for more information on:
Documentation review
Initiating preparedness assessments
Emergency planning
Training resources
Researching testing and exercising