title: 'We'll figure out what to do when the time comes': the need for developing effective emergency operations exercises.
abstract: Based on a presentation by the authors at the annual conference of ASHE in July 2008, this article spells out the steps that have to be taken in planning, conducting, and assessing an emergency exercise in order to successfully meet the needs of your healthcare facility and its regulators.
authors.affiliation: MSL Healthcare Consulting Inc., McMurray, PA, USA.
authors.forename: Susan B
authors.initials: SB
authors.lastname: McLaughlin
authors.forename: Steven
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Spaanbroek