The Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) introduced new emergency management standards in January 2001, building on long-standing disaster preparedness requirements. But since the September 11 terrorist attacks, there is a pressing need for a new standard. The first article in this newsletter focuses on the need for a national bioterrorism response. The second article discusses the JCAHO standards and survey process. It uses JCAHO standards as a starting point to prepare for an emergency. Then it discusses what the survey process expects of an organization; how to analyze an organization’s vulnerability to hazards; and how to adapt tools for the task ahead. The next article presents information on managing an emergency. Specifically, this involves developing practical emergency management education programs, and preparing for a mass casualty event. The fourth article presents information on how to disseminate lessons learned from a terrorist attack, and manage people and resources effectively. It discusses the power of preparation and the importance of communication in a crisis. It is essential to care for the health workers as well as patients. Information and the importance of nuclear, biological, and chemical decontamination are discussed. And finally, the importance of responding effectively in the midst of a natural emergency is explained.