At one institution, officials are using the Year 2000 problem to develop contingency plans that have applications far beyond the new year. Y2K programs early, two other schools have been proactively replacing and updating non-compliant hardware and software, patient care devices, biomedical devices, and physical plant equipment for an extended period of time. Beyond the Institution A number of respondents are extending compliance efforts outside institutional circles. One institution is sharing its contingency plans among all affiliated institutions. At two other schools, officials are participating in community-wide Y2K committees alongside representatives from local utilities.
Power failures are one of the major concerns expressed by nearly all respondents.
At least two other institutions are working closely with local power companies to ensure that there will be no difficulties receiving power on January 1, 2000. At one school, compliance testing will feature actual power failures in selected areas to test the effects of potential outages. Five respondents have purchased new generators or added supplies for existing generators. One institution will ensure that additional water supplies are available for dialysis and sanitary needs. Another school will have battery-powered phones on hand in case of a shutdown.