In the following Q&A, Mitch Saruwatari, LiveProcess VP Quality & Compliance, explains the National Incident Management System (NIMS), and how LiveProcess addresses the issues raised by NIMS compliance requirements.


What is NIMS?

The National Incident Management System (NIMS) was directed through the Homeland Security Presidential Directive (HSPD)-5 to create a unified and systematic approach among federal, state, local and tribal governments to prepare and respond to any type of disaster. Key benefits include the use of a common incident management model; standard command and management structures; and a strong emphasis on preparedness, mutual aid and resource management.

How does NIMS affect day-to-day life in a hospital?

For healthcare agencies that have received federal preparedness grant funds (e.g., former HRSA or current ASPR), they are required to comply with the 17 NIMS Elements for Healthcare. These can be found in the September 12, 2006 NIMS Alert NIMS titled “Implementation Activities For Hospitals And Healthcare Systems” or in the Fourth Revision to the Hospital Incident Command System. Some critical additions such as training, NIMS implementation tracking and language modifications will be necessary for full compliance.

How does LiveProcess address the issues raised by NIMS compliance?

Through a simple, easy-to-use interface, users can track their current compliance levels, their progress towards compliance over time and the tasks associated with achieving full NIMS compliance. Graphing provides an at-a-glance view of current NIMS compliance, and a one-click report on overall NIMS compliance status can be shared or used internally. In addition, most of our existing tools and features address compliance issues such as those required for NIMS and the Joint Commission. Both provide critical elements for creating and maintaining an effective EMP.

Are future enhancements planned?

We realize that compliance, documentation and report generation are all critical components for organizing and managing the hospital EMP and will continue to strive toward simplifying this complex issue for our users.

Previous Page Next Page