May 14, 2008 -- The Incident Management Systems Integration (IMSI) Division, formerly the NIMS Integration Center, in collaboration with the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is pleased to announce the release of the FY 2008 NIMS Implementation Objectives for Healthcare Organizations.

On September 16, 2006, IMSI released the FY 2007 NIMS Implementation Activities for Hospitals and Healthcare Systems, which were made up of 17 objectives (activities), of which four were required to be eligible for FY 2007 Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (ASPR) funding by HHS.

IMSI and HHS have received many comments and suggestions regarding the 17 objectives. As a result, a healthcare working group—composed of Federal, State, local, and private sector stakeholders—was stood up to further define the objectives. From the existing objectives, the stakeholders identified 14 activities for FY 2008 and clarified language to ensure the 14 objectives are most applicable to healthcare organizations. These implementation objectives are intended for all hospitals regardless of size, location, or financial support.

As with the FY 2007 NIMS Implementation Activities for Hospital and Healthcare Systems, we continue to strive towards a cohesive working relationship between hospitals and their respective local government, public health, and other emergency management and response agencies.