For the government, it’s a balancing act managing the demands of the American public, its internal agencies, and producing results with a limited budget. And when a disaster strikes, the public expects a continuation of services. Furthermore, when fires, flooding or other disasters strike health care facilities, the recovery circumstances can be exceedingly complex. In addition to keeping patients safe and maintaining top-level care, chemical and equipment protection are also top priorities.
Many states and federal organizations have strict codes and health laws that need to be considered during a restoration project in the health care or medical industry. These can include the Life Safety Code, known as NFPA 101; HIPAA, the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996; restoration restrictions; and the Joint Commission Standards addressing patient safety and continuity of operations during restoration and reconstruction. Hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, and other health care facilities offer vital services to the public, especially during and immediately following an emergency.