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Preparedness & Emergency Response

MHA Staff headshot Kara Amann Kale

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Kara Amann

Director of Hospital Preparedness Programs

Hospital emergency preparedness and response is fundamental to community resiliency.

These planning resources establish hospital readiness, and provide a proven response and recovery framework, for before, during and after an emergency.

Stages of an Emergency

01. Preparedness

Preparedness are steps taken to ensure safety before, during and after an emergency. It is a continuous cycle of planning, organizing, training, equipping, exercising, evaluating and taking corrective action in an effort to ensure effective coordination during incident response.

02. Response

Response takes place in the initial minutes of an emergency and involves repeated assessment, planning, action and review to respond appropriately to needs and capacities as they evolve.

03. Mitigation

Mitigation is the effort to reduce the loss of life and property by lessening the impact of incidents.

04. Recovery

Recovery is the phase of the emergency from the point of incident stabilization to a return to a “normal” state.

MHA Resources

Implementing the Basics of HICS

On-demand content is available to ensure operational level staff or executives are equipped with the foundational knowledge and skills to navigate any crisis seamlessly.

  1. Operational Level
  2. Executive Level

Health Care Preparedness Professional Orientation Timeline

The Health Care Preparedness Professional Orientation Timeline provides a standardized orientation template to understand facility requirements, regional resources and Missouri’s health care response system. (Excel file)

  1. View the Timeline

Federal Emergency Management Agency

FEMA’s mission is to lead America to prepare for, prevent, respond to, and recover from disasters with a vision of “A Nation Prepared.”  The agency offers several resources to help people before, during, and after disasters.

National Incident Management System

FEMA’s National Incident Management System provides a common, nationwide approach to enable the whole community to work together to manage all threats and hazards. NIMS applies to all incidents, regardless of cause, size, location, or complexity. NIMS retains key concepts and principles while incorporating lessons learned from exercises and real-world incidents, best practices, and changes in national policy.

MHA Resources

FEMA Resources

  1. View the Latest Preparedness & Emergency Response Resources
  2. Learn More About EMResource/EICS
  3. Learn More About the Missouri Health Care Coaltition

Stay Informed MHA Newsroom

All News
MHA

October 20, 2025

MHA Recognizes 2025 Health Care Leadership Series Graduates

The Missouri Hospital Association is proud to announce the graduating class of the 22nd Annual Health Care Leadership Series, a comprehensive…
Read article: "MHA Recognizes 2025 Health Care Leadership Series Graduates"
CMS Clarifies Claims Hold And COVID-19 Vaccine Administration Edit

October 17, 2025

CMS Clarifies Claims Hold And COVID-19 Vaccine Administration Edit

As the federal government shutdown continues, CMS has released clarification about a temporary hold on certain claims. According to CMS, Medicare…
Read article: "CMS Clarifies Claims Hold And COVID-19 Vaccine Administration Edit"
Digital Business Analysis,Growth Data and Charts on Desktop Computer Screen in Modern Office

October 16, 2025

HIDI Releases 2026 Premier Data And Reporting Packages

The Hospital Industry Data Institute’s 2026 Premier Data and Reporting Packages are available online for subscription orders. These packages are…
Read article: "HIDI Releases 2026 Premier Data And Reporting Packages"
MHA Convention Preview: Aim For Excellence Awards

October 15, 2025

MHA Convention Preview: Aim For Excellence Awards

MHA will honor three hospitals with its 2025 Aim for Excellence Award at MHA’s 103rd Annual Convention in St. Charles, Mo., on Wednesday, Nov. 5. The…
Read article: "MHA Convention Preview: Aim For Excellence Awards"

Get Involved Events & Education

All Events
Dec 2

2026 Joint Commission Accreditation Update for Hospitals and Critical Access Hospitals — Four-part Virtual Series

Attend this program to learn about TJC's revised standards manual and survey process guide, so you can welcome surveyors with confidence!

View event: "2026 Joint Commission Accreditation Update for Hospitals and Critical Access Hospitals — Four-part Virtual Series"
Dec 8

AWHONN Obstetric Patient Safety: OB Emergencies Workshop

MO PQC & AWHONN workshop offers CMS-required training with simulations to improve obstetric emergency care for all clinicians.

View event: "AWHONN Obstetric Patient Safety: OB Emergencies Workshop"
Dec 9

AWHONN Obstetric Patient Safety: OB Emergencies Workshop

MO PQC & AWHONN workshop offers CMS-required training with simulations to improve obstetric emergency care for all clinicians.

View event: "AWHONN Obstetric Patient Safety: OB Emergencies Workshop"
Dec 9

Chargemaster Coding Updates and Implementation for 2026

This event will review important component changes to critical Current Procedural Terminology and Outpatient Prospective Payment System. 

View event: "Chargemaster Coding Updates and Implementation for 2026"
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Mutual Aid Agreement

The Missouri Hospital Mutual Aid Agreement establishes a coordinated system through which hospitals throughout Missouri and in adjoining states will provide mutual aid to each other as necessary to support emergency medical care needs in a medical disaster.

  1. Download the Mutual Aid Agreement