On Thursday, May 15, 2025, home care providers from across Massachusetts gathered to participate in an Emergency Preparedness Tabletop Exercise. The event, which ran from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM, simulated a high-impact crisis scenario, allowing participants to collaborate and strategize on emergency response protocols.

The exercise aimed to strengthen agencies' compliance with both federal and state disaster preparedness requirements, including the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Emergency Preparedness Program and OSHA’s General Duty Clause. By working through hypothetical scenarios, participants tested their emergency plans, identified potential gaps in their strategies, and enhanced their decision-making and communication skills.

Led by Barbara Citarella, founder of RBC Limited, a healthcare and management consulting firm, the event provided valuable insights into improving organizational operations, leadership, and corporate compliance. As the only internationally recognized expert in disaster preparedness for the home care and hospice industry, Barbara guided attendees through the critical aspects of business recovery planning, infection prevention, and the Incident Command System.

The tabletop exercise was a key opportunity for agencies to not only comply with regulatory standards but also to refine their emergency preparedness strategies, ensuring they are better equipped to handle real-world emergencies. Participants left with actionable strategies to bolster their agency’s resilience and response protocols.

The event was open to both members and non-members, with participants gaining practical knowledge on how to integrate these lessons into their agency's disaster preparedness plans.