45 CFR 1620.4: Establishing policies and procedures for emergencies.

The governing body of a recipient shall adopt written policies and procedures to guide the recipient in undertaking emergency cases or matters not within the recipient's established priorities. Emergencies include those non-priority cases or matters that require immediate legal action to:

(a) Secure or preserve the necessities of life,

(b) Protect against or eliminate a significant risk to the health or safety of the client or immediate family members, or

(c) Address other significant legal issues that arise because of new and unforeseen circumstances.