06/17/2026

Survey Tip of the Week: Disaster Drills

The Ohio Administrative Code for disaster preparedness under 3701-17-25 for nursing homes and 3701-16-13 for residential care facilities requires that a facility conduct at least two disaster preparedness drills per year, one of which shall be a tornado drill, which shall occur during the months of March through July. While some facilities are cited for failing to conduct required drills, citations also occur when documentation is incomplete or missing. Facilities are required to keep a written record and evaluation of each conducted drill and practice, which includes the date, time, employee attendance, effectiveness of the plan, and training format used. Any problems encountered and the corrective actions taken are to be included in the written record. This record is to be maintained in the facility for three years.

LeadingAge Ohio encourages providers to also refer to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Emergency Preparedness rule and the State Operations Manual Appendix Z- Emergency Preparedness for All Provider and Certified Supplier Types Interpretive Guidance.