Spotlight on Understanding
and Preparing for the Survey Process
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Upon completion of this
program participants will be able to:
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Explain the purpose of
health care surveys |
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Discuss how nursing homes
can attain and maintain substantial compliance with federal and
state regulations for health care providers |
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Briefly describe the seven
basic tasks of the Department of Health's survey process |
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Discuss three methods of
information gathering that the survey team uses |
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List three enforcement
actions that can be taken within a home that is found to be out
of substantial compliance with regulatory requirements |
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The State Department of Health must visit every nursing home at
least once a year to do an inspection, commonly called a �survey.�
The survey extends over several days and can begin at any time
including off shifts or weekends. The purpose of the survey process is to ensure that residents
are receiving the quality of care and services they are guaranteed by law.
It is the responsibility of the Survey Team to ensure that the
health and safety of residents are adequately addressed by long-term care
providers. The Survey Team
has the authority to fine and even to close nursing homes whose quality of
care falls below minimum standards.
The idea of being scrutinized by another team of �health care
professionals� can be an anxiety-producing experience.
However, it is important to view the survey process as having a
positive benefit. It assures
that the residents are receiving appropriate care, and it reassures staff
that they are doing a good job. It can also identify weak areas that need improvement.
Armed with knowledge of what Surveyors look for can help
everyone at the nursing home actively contribute to ensuring that the
standards for resident safety and well-being, quality of care and quality
of life, as well as documentation requirements are met on an ongoing basis
365 days a year. The primary focus of this in-service is to increase
participants� understanding of the process and methods employed during a
standard annual health care survey.
