RESUMO
have written disaster plans, but only 33
conduct regular drills to practice their written plans. A 24-h telephone number is available to patients at 96
of the agencies. One - fourth of the agencies serving ventilator - dependent patients do not make utility companies aware of their special needs. Of 11 hospital - sponsored agencies, 18
include backup agreements with other agencies, while 79
of non-hospital-sponsored agencies have planned such backup. The majority (92
) of "private-for-profict" agencies have backup arragements, but only 38
of the public or nonprofit agencies have such arragements. Additionally, 31
of the home health care agencies do not feel they would be able to meet the needs of their clients in the event of a disaster. Specific recommendations for such agencies in developing disaster plans, and exercising them, are made (AU)