Emergency Preparedness

The Washington State Nurses Association is committed to increasing the preparedness of nurses to provide nursing care during periods of disaster or other emergencies. Additionally, we are engaged in examining various policy questions concerning the delivery of care under altered and suboptimal conditions. Scope of practice, legal and regulatory implications, as well as the registration, mobilization and deployment of nurse responders during emergencies are some of the areas requiring immediate attention and focus. Promoting individual preparedness is also a top priority of the association.

Emergency Worker Program and Registration

Volunteer Registration WAHVE - MRC - ARC Communication for WSNA (Word .doc download)

Established rules and regulations for various classes of emergency workers in the State of Washington including scope of duties, conditions under which workers shall be deemed to be on duty and covered by the provisions of emergency worker registration.

• RCW 38.52
• WAC 118.04

Downloads

• Emergency Preparedness Palm Card (PDF; 184KB)
• ANA White Paper Adapting Standards of Care under Extreme Conditions of Care: Guidance for Professionals During Disasters, Pandemics, and Other Extreme Emergencies (PDF; 2MB)

Links

• Certificate Program in Emergency Management
  UW Extension Program
• These groups ensure that volunteers will have access to training and will be utilized according to the appropriate response plans.
  http://www.nursingworld.org/MainMenuCategories/HealthcareandPolicyIssues/DPR/VolunteerNow.aspx to learn more about how to become an emergency first responder.
• If you wish to make a contribution to relief efforts please visit http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/site/entry/disaster_haiti for more information.