The State Emergency Management Office (SEMO) has advised GNYHA that hospitals and continuing care facilities will be eligible to apply for Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) public assistance for certain expenses related to the August 14, 2003, power outage. President Bush has authorized FEMA to provide up to $5 million in Federal funds for costs related to the outage.

FEMA has classified eligible costs as costs incurred for "Emergency Protective Measures," which are defined as measures to save lives, to protect public health and safety, and to protect property. FEMA does not reimburse for lost revenue. If the costs are associated with medical treatment or evacuation, FEMA has suggested that the "Medical Care and Evacuations Policy," which imposes additional restrictions on eligible costs, will apply. GNYHA is currently requesting that FEMA provide more explicit information to hospitals and continuing care facilities on costs that may be reimbursed through this program.

Hospitals and continuing care facilities interested in applying for FEMA public assistance must file their intent to apply by October 21, 2003, by submitting a Request for Public Assistance (RPA) form to SEMO. RPA forms may be obtained from GNYHA or the SEMO Web site, www.nysemo.state.ny.us.