- What is the difference between an order of succession and delegation of authority?
- What is meant by "job function analysis" as mentioned in the COOP template?
- How can we coordinate with POS providers at the local level (i.e. one provider wants residential programs close, one wants day program closed)
- Is the Executive Office of Health & Human Services (EOHHS) working with other industries such as truckers?
- What procedures are in place for communicating?
- What is an example of what might cause an agency to relocate?
- I am suspicious of the confirmation of COOP plan and am wondering when the information will get back to us regarding working with INS to still receive services
- Who will be able to administer medications if a nurse is not available?
- We run 17 small group homes in New Bedford and dispense specialized medication. Would we be able to have more than a 30 day supply on hand?
- Under MassHealth advance prescriptions are limited; are we looking into how to stockpile?
- Are you trying to facilitate medical/clinical volunteers?
- What is happening with communities at higher risk, e.g. the undocumented population?
1. What is the difference between an order of succession and delegation of authority?
A: An order of succession is a list of individuals who would sequentially assume responsibility if the principal staff person is no longer able to carry out his/her functions. Delegation of authority refers to positions in which the principal staff person has the authority to complete a particular task. When writing your COOP, it is possible that the same individuals will be listed for both functions.
For example, The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) Chief Medical Officer is both an administrator and a physician. Senior administrative staff could be listed in the order of succession for management purposes. However, if a particular task was medical/clinical, then the task would be delegated to a clinician rather than a manager.
2. What is meant by "job function analysis" as mentioned in the COOP template?
A: Specific activities of a particular job (i.e. where are the keys kept, what is the standard protocol for this task, are there medical conditions associated with a client population that I should be aware of)
3. How can we coordinate with POS providers at the local level (i.e. one provider wants residential programs close, one wants day program closed)
A: Programs that operate 24/7 are a priority; coordination will be followed at the local/regional level in coordination with the Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS).
4. Is the Executive Office of Health & Human Services (EOHHS) working with other industries such as truckers?
A: Yes, EOHHS is working with the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) and others to incorporate public safety and private businesses in the process.
5. What procedures are in place for communicating?
A: The Health and Homeland Alert Network (HHAN), is a secure web-based application that semi-automatically delivers text and voice messages to a wide array of devices including cellular telephones, alphanumeric pagers, and email. The HHAN will be utilized to notify Agency Leads and Executive Members of updated information as well as times and dates of meetings/conference calls that will be occurring. The HHAN will also be used to communicate emergency information.
6. What is an example of what might cause an agency to relocate?
A: If a significant percentage of one residence is impacted, a decision to co-locate with another local provider may be warranted.
7. I am suspicious of the confirmation of COOP plan and am wondering when the information will get back to us regarding working with INS to still receive services
A: We will treat undocumented and legal aliens the same by working through local organization and churches in providing culturally sensitive materials.
8. Who will be able to administer medications if a nurse is not available?
A: Procedures to waive legal requirements are currently being worked on with the input of legal staff from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) and the Executive Office of Health and Human Services EOHHS.
9. We run 17 small group homes in New Bedford and dispense specialized medication. Would we be able to have more than a 30 day supply on hand?
A: We are currently working to address the issue of adequate pharmaceutical supplies.
10. Under MassHealth advance prescriptions are limited; are we looking into how to stockpile?
A: The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) has formed an "'Access to Prescription Medication During a Disaster" workgroup to address this and other related issues.
11. Are you trying to facilitate medical/clinical volunteers?
A: The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) is developing the Massachusetts System for Advanced Registration (MSAR). This system will be used to identify, credential, dispatch and coordinate volunteer medical personnel.
12. What is happening with communities at higher risk, e.g. the undocumented population?
A: The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) is working on providing guidance/training to local pubic health/public safety around providing services for populations with special needs during a disaster.
This information is provided by the Department of Public Health.