a. An unforeseeable declared national, state or municipal emergency.
b. A highly unusual or extraordinary event which is unpredictable or unavoidable and which substantially affects the provision of needed health care services or increases the need for health care services. These events include: an act of terrorism; a natural disaster; and, a widespread disease outbreak.
c. Unexpected absences, discovered at or before the commencement of a scheduled shift, which could not be prudently planned for by an employer, and which could significantly affect patient safety.
d. Vacancies arising from chronic short staffing are not an unforeseeable emergent circumstance.