CMS is reminding Medicare- and Medicaid-participating providers and suppliers that they will be expected to comply with training and testing requirements included in a September 2016 emergency preparedness final rule by November 15, 2017.  In particular, CMS warns providers and suppliers not to wait for interpretive guidance to begin planning emergency exercises, since those who are found to have not completed these exercises or other requirements of the final rule during a survey will be cited for non-compliance.  CMS also provides instructions for providers and suppliers who are unable to complete a full-scale, community-based exercise by that date. 

CMS is posting resources regarding the final rule on its website.  In addition, CMS has scheduled an April 27, 2017 call to discuss training and testing requirements in the final rule; registration is required to participate in the call.