Disaster Response Policy

• NEWYORK-PRESBYTERIAN HOSPITAL
  GRADUATE MEDICAL EDUCATION
  POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
  TITLE: DISASTER RESPONSE POLICY

PURPOSE:

The purpose of this policy is to ensure administrative support for GME programs and residents in the event of a disaster that would make it impossible for residents to complete and/or continue their training at New York Presbyterian Hospital (NYPH). The ACGME defines a “disaster” as “an event or set of events causing significant alteration to the residency experience at one or more residency programs. Hurricane Katrina is an example of a disaster.”

SCOPE:

This policy applies to all graduate medical education programs sponsored by New York Presbyterian Hospital.

PROCEDURE:

In the event of a disaster, as defined above, NYPH will strive to minimize the impact of such a situation on the educational experience of the residents, while protecting their wellbeing and safety. As such, the Designated Institutional Official (DIO) in conjunction with the GMEC, will determine whether or not the training program(s) can be reconstituted within a reasonable timeframe to permit residents to continue and/or complete their respective program requirement.

Within ten days of the declaration of a disaster, the DIO, or his/her designee, will be in communication with the ACGME regarding plans for reconfiguration of residency programs and/or temporary or permanent plans for the transfer of residents to other institutions.

If relocation of residents becomes necessary, Program Directors at alternative training institutions will be contacted to determine the feasibility of transfers, which will be coordinated with the ACGME. NYPH Program Directors will provide residents with assistance in arranging these transfers and will do so as expeditiously as possible so as to so as to maximize the likelihood that each resident will complete his/her residency training in a timely manner.

If more than one program is available for a temporary or permanent transfer, the transfer preferences of the resident will be strongly considered.

Residents will continue to receive salary/benefits from NYPH during the entire relocation process. If relocation is temporary, NYPH will continue all salary and benefits during this time. If relocation is long term or will continue until the completion of training, NYPH will work with the receiving institution(s) to access the process of transferring funded positions.

Approved by GMEC: November 2009
Approved by the Medical Board: May 2010