Virtual version of popular HSEP I course in the works

More than 6,000 people have attended the Center for Domestic Preparedness’ Health Sector Emergency Preparedness I course since it was first offered in 2017.

Those numbers are expected to grow significantly in the coming months as the CDP unveils a virtual version of the course.

The 8-hour course teaches healthcare providers and suppliers to establish emergency operation plans and conduct associated employee training and exercises. Since 2016, a Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services rule has required healthcare providers and suppliers to have emergency plans and conduct associated training in order to qualify for Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement.    

Meanwhile, a follow-on course, HSEP II, is also being prepared for virtual delivery.

The 16-hour course expands on the development of emergency operations plans and training. It includes a response and recovery exercise where providers and suppliers must put their plans into action in support of an integrated community health response.

The HSEP II course will be offered in early 2021.

“We’re trying to make this training as convenient as we can to those health care entities which need it,” said Roy Marlow, a supervisory instructional systems specialist at the CDP.