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Hospital Incident Command System 2012 HICS Revision
The revision of the Hospital Incident Command System is now underway, with an estimated release of new materials in early winter of 2012.
HICS is an incident management system based on the Incident Command System (ICS), which assists hospitals in improving their emergency management planning, response, and recovery capabilities for unplanned and planned events. HICS is consistent with ICS and the National Incident Management System (NIMS) principles.
The current version of HICS has not been revised since 2006; the updated version will include new terminology, updated Incident Action Planning forms and provide better interoperability for multi-agency coordination.
The HICS Center for Training and Education has been contracted by the California Emergency Medical Services Authority (EMSA) to coordinate the revision process. The HICS Center Board is comprised of members from the 2006 National Work Group who crafted the HICS version being updated. Personnel from the American Hospital Association, Joint Commission, Department of Homeland Security, Department of Health and Human Services, and Department of Veteran Affairs are also participating in the review process. A Secondary Review Group comprised of nearly 80 healthcare professionals from across the country will review and make recommendations on the draft materials devised by the Center.
Some of the changes or additions to the HICS Revision include development of an Incident Planning Guide and Incident Response Guide for active shooter, a revised Hospital Incident Management Team/HICS Organization Chart to consolidate some positions such as having only one food unit leader, a new Job Action Sheet for Ham Radio Operators, and a new HICS 201-S Incident Briefing (Short) Form that consolidates key information into one form.