A recent blog post by the Center for Health Care Emergency Readiness argues that the public health and healthcare sector is one of the weakest links in the "Homeland Security chain," arguing many healthcare facilities "are ill prepared to meet all-hazards preparedness envisioned by the National Response Framework."
In the post, the author, James Blair, DPA, president of the CHCER, argues preparedness weaknesses in the healthcare industry are further exacerbated by consolidation. He writes:
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In the post, the author, James Blair, DPA, president of the CHCER, argues preparedness weaknesses in the healthcare industry are further exacerbated by consolidation. He writes:
"It may be of value to look to history as a guide to the future. The nation's propensity to undervalue preparedness and dramatically and zealously respond to disastrous events after they have occurred, points to a culture where over-correction seems to be more highly valued than initial preparation. All organizations involved in either mergers or acquisitions must keep this in mind as they develop expanded delivery systems, that existing accreditation and certifications may not be the standard to which readiness is judged, which should be self-evident given the track record of the last 10 years. The combination and integration of several unprepared entities could result in enormous financial risk should the private sector preparedness compliance become mandatory."
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