From Hot Ashes to a Cool Recovery

Abstract

This case discusses the importance of business continuity and disaster recovery planning (BCDRP) well in advance of a disaster. While the Visiting Nurses Association (VNA) of Texas experienced a devastating fire, the agency continued operations without interruption and met the needs of all patients. The agency’s ability to continue operations was possible because this agency had planned for disaster and had a BCDRP. Still there were lessons learned. This case provides an opportunity for other agencies to review the eight lessons learned in this case and apply them to their own organizations. Organizations that fully support a culture of creating and maintaining a BCDRP will recover more quickly and be positioned to provide services to their patients without interruption.