Lowcountry Healthcare Coalition
Hospital Preparedness Program
The Hospital Preparedness Program (HPP) is a critical component of the national strategy to prepare for and respond to large-scale emergencies and disasters. The program provides leadership and funding through cooperative agreements to states, territories, and eligible major metropolitan areas to enhance the ability of funding recipients to plan and respond effectively to these events. Through its funding, HPP helps build strong, resilient healthcare systems that are equipped to respond quickly and efficiently in an emergency.
One of the key strategies of HPP is to develop healthcare coalitions (HCCs), which bring together healthcare organizations, local and state health departments, and other key stakeholders to collaborate on preparedness and response efforts. HCCs play a vital role in strengthening healthcare system preparedness by promoting collaboration, sharing resources, and improving response capabilities.
HPP funding is used to support various activities, including training and exercises, equipment and supplies acquisition, and the development of incident response plans. The program also provides technical assistance and guidance to funding recipients to help them better understand and meet their preparedness and response needs.
In conclusion, the Hospital Preparedness Program (HPP) plays a crucial role in ensuring that healthcare systems are prepared to respond to emergencies and disasters. Through funding and technical assistance, HPP helps states, territories, and major metropolitan areas build strong, resilient healthcare systems that are equipped to save lives and improve outcomes in the event of a crisis.
HPP funding can not be used to purchase or supplement the following items.
Projects that cannot be purchased (from the "HPP Grant on Use of Funds" handout):
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Research or clinical care
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Furniture or equipment without prior authorization from a detailed project
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Costs for publicity, propaganda, enactment/defeat of legislation
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New construction or major renovations
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Pre-award costs. Cannot supplant existing state/federal funds for activities
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Backfilling costs of staff. Salary of staff earning $187,000+ annually
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Clothing, animals, residences or living quarters
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Vehicles (leases MAY be allowed with prior authorization).
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Stand alone, single facility exercises
*No use for Individual Healthcare Facilities to meet CMS requirements.*
Base CMS requirement exceptions:
Development of an Emergency Plan – HCCs can develop staff capacity &
technical expertise to assist members with this requirement.
Development of Policies and Procedures - HCCs can develop staff capacity & technical expertise to assist members with this requirement.
Develop and Maintain a Communications Plan - HCCs may spend funds for costs associated with adding new providers and suppliers to their HCC who are seeking to join in order to coordinate the care of patients.
Develop and Maintain a Training & Testing Program – HCCs can support
regional-level or HCC-level training and exercise costs