Critical issues for homeland security and health care sector readiness

The "war on terrorism" and the nation's response to associated terrorist threats has created a significant challenge for health care risk management professionals. The Department of Homeland Security and initiation of the National Response Plan have set in motion a series of national requirements and obligations designed to protect and prepare the country to meet terrorist threats. These requirements and obligations have an impact on the health care industry with its ownership of critical infrastructure/key resources requiring protection from all-hazards events. Health care risk management professionals should be aware that the consequences of not meeting expectations during a future attack are significant.