FY 2008 AND 2009 NIMS IMPLEMENTATION OBJECTIVES FOR HEALTHCARE ORGANIZATIONS 
 
The Incident Management Systems Integration (IMSI) Division, formerly the NIMS Integration Center, in collaboration with the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is pleased to announce the release of the FY 2008 and 2009 NIMS Implementation Objectives for Healthcare Organizations.   On September 16, 2006, IMSI released the FY 2007 NIMS Implementation Activities for Hospitals and Healthcare Systems, which were made up of 17 objectives (activities), of which four were required to be eligible for FY 2007 Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (ASPR) funding by HHS.   
 
IMSI and HHS have received many comments and suggestions regarding the 17 objectives.   As a result,  a healthcare working group—composed of Federal, State, local, and private sector stakeholders—was stood up to further define the objectives.  From the existing objectives, the stakeholders identified 14 activities for FY 2008 and 2009 that clarified language to ensure the 14 objectives are most applicable to healthcare organizations.  These implementation objectives are intended for all hospitals regardless of size, location, or financial support.     
 
As with the FY 2007 NIMS Implementation Activities for Hospital and Healthcare Systems we continue to strive towards a cohesive working relationship between hospitals and their respective local government, public health, and other emergency management and response agencies. Healthcare organizations are strongly encouraged to coordinate with local public health agencies to work through these implementation activities. The ASPR Program, administered through State Departments of Health, has clearly outlined the components that healthcare organizations are required to meet during the FY 2008 and 2009 funding cycles. Furthermore, developing a relationship with local public health and emergency management agencies enables hospitals and healthcare systems to gain further insight regarding the availability of training as well as capabilities (equipment and procedures) provided by local agencies.  
 
The 14 NIMS Implementation Objectives for Healthcare Organizations are as follows:  
 
 Adoption  

- Adoption of NIMS  

- Federal Preparedness Awards 



 
 Preparedness Planning  

- Revise and Update Plans  

- Mutual-Aid Agreements  



 
 Preparedness Training and Exercises 

- IS 700 NIMS, ICS 100 and 200  

- IS 800B NRF (National Response Framework)  

- Training and Exercises  



 
 Communication and Information Management  

- Interoperability incorporated into Acquisition Programs 

- Standard and Consistent Terminology 

- Collect and Distribute Information  



 
 Command and Management  

- Incident Command System (ICS)  

- Include Incident Action Planning and Common Communication Plans  

- Adopt Public Information principles 

- Public Information can be gathered, verified, coordinated and disseminated  



 
Questions and comments can be directed to the Incident Management Systems Integration Division at: FEMA-NIMS@dhs.gov or 202-646-3850. 
 
*There is no requirement for healthcare personnel who have completed IS-800A – National Response Plan to also complete IS-800.B – National Response Framework. It is suggested that healthcare personnel complete IS-800.B – National Response Framework in order to be informed of current information regarding response for all levels of government, as well as the private sector. It is the decision of the healthcare organization’s administration to issue this requirement to staff.