Community First Health Plans is sharing guidance from the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) regarding emergency preparedness for the Atlantic hurricane season, which runs from June 1 through November 30.
Providers are encouraged to review and update emergency preparedness plans to ensure readiness for severe weather events and to support continuity of care for members, patients, and community.
Provider Requirements
HHSC requires regulated Providers, including long‑term care facilities (such as nursing facilities, assisted living facilities, hospices, and state‑regulated group homes), childcare operations, and acute health care facilities (such as hospitals and dialysis centers), to maintain and implement current emergency preparedness plans.
Emergency preparedness plans should address, at a minimum:
- Continuation of care and treatment for individuals
- Communication with staff, patients, and families
- Staffing needs and responsibilities during emergencies
- Food, water, and supply needs
- Power loss
- Shelter-in-place, evacuation, and transportation procedures, as applicable
Facilities with backup generators should perform routine maintenance and testing to ensure equipment functions properly during power outages.
HHSC issues guidance to Providers about updating their plans and encourages them to visit the Department of State Health Services Texas Ready website for hurricane preparedness resources, including sample plans, supply checklists and other information on emergency preparedness.
The Atlantic hurricane season, which affects the Texas Gulf Coast, continues through Nov. 30.
About HHSC Disaster Services
In the event of an emergency, HHSC Disaster Services provides public health and medical support, shelters for people with medical needs, counseling services, disaster food assistance and water and ice. The program also provides regulatory support for health care facilities, long-term care facilities and childcare operations, and special waivers for Medicaid providers and clients as needed.
Providers are encouraged to share this information with their staff. If you have any questions about this notice, please email Provider Relations at ProviderRelations@cfhp.com or call 210-358-6030. You can also contact your Provider Relations Representative directly.
To access all Provider alerts:
- Log into the Community First Provider Portal
- Go to CommunityFirstHealthPlans.com/Provider-News
- Sign up for the Community First Provider eNewsletter