IV.J. Extreme Emergent Situation or Disaster Policy

Declaration of an extreme emergent situation may be initiated by a Program Director or by the DIO. Declaration of a qualifying local disaster is made by the DIO, in collaboration with the Participating Institutions Chief Executive Officer, the Chief Operating Officer, the Chief Medical Officer, affected Program Directors, and Department Heads. When possible, an emergency meeting of the GMEC – conducted in person, through conference call, or through web-conferencing – shall be convened for discussion and decision-making as appropriate. After declaration of an extreme emergent situation: The Program Director of each affected training Program shall meet with the DIO and other university/training site officials, as appropriate, to determine the clinical duties, schedules, and alternate coverage arrangements for each training Program sponsored by the Institution. ACGME's guidelines for development of those plans should be implemented, including: House Officers must be expected to perform according to the professional expectations of them as physicians, taking into account their degree of competence, level of training, and context of the specific situation. House Officers who are fully licensed in the state may be able to provide patient care independent of supervision in the event of an extreme emergent situation, as further defined by the applicable medical staff by-laws. House Officers are also trainees/students. They should not be first-line responders without consideration of their level of training and competence; the scope of their individual license, if any; and/or beyond the limits of their self-confidence in their own abilities. Program Directors will remain in contact with the DIO about implementation of the plans to address the situation, and additional resources as needed. The institution will make reasonable efforts to assure each resident/fellow continues to receive salary, benefits, and their respective assignments.  The DIO will call the ACGME Institutional Review Committee (IRC) Executive Director if (and, only if) the extreme emergent situation causes serious, extended disruption that might affect the Institution/Program's ability to remain in substantial compliance with ACGME requirements. The ACGME IRC will alert the respective Review Committee (RC). If notice to the ACGME, the DIO will notify the ACGME IRC ED when the extreme emergent situation has been resolved. The DIO and GMEC will meet with affected Program Directors to establish a monitoring system. They system is to ensure the continued safety of House Officers and patients through the duration of the situation; to determine that the situation has been resolved; and to assess additional actions to be taken (if any) to restore full compliance with each affected House Officers' completion of the educational Program requirements. GMEC August 2012