July 23, 2018

HIDA Develops Preparedness Checklist for Supply Chain Partners

One lesson learned from the 2017 hurricane season was the need to improve coordination with public emergency officials to allow the healthcare supply chain access to areas after a disaster. This includes documents for drivers to get through check points, exemptions from curfews so deliveries can be made to customers and recognition with public officials to prioritize the healthcare supply chain for fuel. HIDA has proactively engaged with policy makers to incorporate legislative language addressing re-entry needs in both the House and Senate versions of the Pandemic and All-Hazards and Advancing Innovation bill moving through Congress. However, enactment and implementation will not be completed before the 2018 hurricane season is complete.    

Additionally, all healthcare providers are now required by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to have robust preparedness plans which include vendor continuity for necessities such as medical supplies. This is an opportunity to demonstrate value to customers and be an integral part of their preparedness planning.

HIDA has created a checklist for supply chain partners to follow to ensure that they can gain access and safeguard supply chain continuity throughout a public health event or emergency. Some of the checklist items include: accessing each state’s Emergency Management Agency’s contact information, checking the Emergency Declarations put forth by governors, and accessing whether the states you conduct business in have a formal access program.

For further specifics see these HIDA and Federal resources:

HIDA’s Emergency Preparedness Checklist»

The House’s version of the PAHPAI bill»

The Senate’s version of the PAHPAI bill»

HIDA’s letter of support for the House’s PAHPAI bill»

HIDA’s letter of support for the Senate’s PAHPAI bill»

Please feel free to reach out to HIDA Government Affairs with questions or comments at HIDAGovAffairs@HIDA.org or at 703-549-4432.