LTC Regulations: Survey Preparedness

There are several things that a facility can do to improve its chances for a good survey. One is to be "survey ready every day." In other words, know the regulations and follow the regulations, every day.

I have worked with facilities that "geared up" for survey. I have had managers tell me, when I have pointed out violations during a mock survey, that the employees know what to do and will do it when the surveyors are there.

This defeats the whole purpose of regulations and surveys. We should all be doing the right things because they are the right things to do for the residents, not just to please the surveyors.

And following the regulations is the right thing to do for the residents. F371 is based on the FDA Food Code. This is what needs to be followed to be sure food is safe.

We should be following F371, not because we will be surveyed on it, but because it is the right thing to do for the residents, everyday.