Emergency Management Policy
MP 0170/21 - Emergency Management Policy (pdf 136KB)
Applicable to: This policy is applicable to all Health Service Providers.
Description: The purpose of the Emergency Management Policy (this policy) is to set the minimum standards required to ensure a clear, consistent and comprehensive approach to emergency management across the WA health system. This policy requires Health Service Providers to have arrangements in place to prevent, prepare for, respond to, and recover appropriately from an emergency.
The roles and responsibilities for emergency management in Western Australia are established in state emergency management legislation. The Emergency Management Act 2005 and Emergency Management Regulations 2006 prescribe authorised representatives of the WA health system as a Hazard Management Agency (HMA) and a Combat Agency.
This policy supports the WA health system to manage emergency situations, disasters, and other disruptive events in accordance with these legislative requirements.
The Director General, as CEO of the Department of Health, has delegated powers to the position of State Health Coordinator, relating to duties under section 28(1)(a) of the Health Services Act 2016. In doing so, the Director General, or State Health Coordinators as delegates, can direct any WA health entity to undertake certain functions for the purposes of coordinating a timely response to emergencies, disasters and major events.
This policy is a mandatory requirement for Health Service Providers under the Public Health Policy Framework pursuant to section 26(2)(d) of the Health Services Act 2016.
Date of effect: 22 October 2021
Policy Framework
Public Health
State Emergency Management Framework
WA Health System Emergency Management Arrangements
State Health Emergency Response Plan
Infectious Disease Emergency Management Plan
Heat Response Plan