Are state surveys conducted on weekends?

middleagedRN · Jul 12, 2016

We were always told that a small percentage had to be on off peak hours, so expect them at anytime. Been thru about a dozen state surveys and have never seen them other than mon-fri 9-5.

2737 · Jul 12, 2016

Ok,

Thank you

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Jul 12, 2016

Yes, state surveys can definitely be initiated on a weekend. In addition, a survey that was initiated midweek (e.g. Wednesday or Thursday) can be continued through the weekend until it has concluded.

Long Term Care Columnist / Guide · Jul 12, 2016

Surveyors are also known to come in on NOC shift, or they'll show up around 0700 before the administration and office people get there.

RNBearColumbus, BSN · Jul 18, 2016

Last survey in our building started at 7:00PM on a Sunday. Mothers Day. I was so glad to be off work for the next three days.

2737 · Jul 18, 2016

Thank you

CapeCodMermaid, RN · Jul 21, 2016

In Massachusetts, the DPH can come any time for a survey. In one building which had a horrible reputation, they showed up on Thanksgiving. That's not the norm because they are state employees and have plenty of holidays. I've never been in a building where they stayed on a weekend. They often show up by 7am especially the first day to try to beat the DON and Administrator into the building.

2737 · Jul 21, 2016

Thanks

NotMyProblem MSN, ASN, BSN, MSN, LPN, RN · Jul 21, 2016

I'm a surveyor in Georgia. Having experienced both sides of a survey, I can tell you that there is absolutely nothing to feel threatened by if you do your job as it should be done, foregoing any shortcuts. No need formulating habits that you know are not allowed in the first place. As for questions that you may be asked, simply stick to the facts and if you don't know something, say so (but be able to identify resources that contain the answers). The main thing is that you know where to find answers and directives to important questions and situations. Do the best you can and, remember, it is not you personally, but the facility, that will be cited for short-comings. However, failure to perform your duties appropriately can lead to the facility being cited. If that happens, then how the facility chooses to address that particular issue internally, well, that's between you and your employer. But I will tell you that I've seen quite a few terminations following a state survey, usually brought to light in the form of anonymous complaints after a cited visit.

Barring any extreme circumstances, I feel both of these situations are unnecessary, in that there are other ways to correct cited issues besides terminations, or filing complaints in retaliation of being terminated. These are so typically reactive responses. So, know your job, do it based on policy and procedure, and you're good to go. :yes:

Forgot to add, here in Georgia, depending on what time an issue occurred and the staff and residents involved, that will determine what time, day, or night we show up. If a resident walked out in the middle of the night and was lost for a while or harmed while out, we will show up to investigate the conditions that allowed this to happen: we're staff asleep? Gone to the club? Not enough staff available for the type of residents being housed (wanderers)? Etc...

crhut8 · Jul 22, 2016

I am a QMA at a LTC facility in Indiana. Last year they showed up on Sunday morning while we were still passing our breakfast trays, which was about 7-730am.( more towards 730) hope that helps. It was either 2 or 3 years ago that the federal surveyors followed the state surveys close behind( i think it was 2 weeks at the most) to make sure the state ppl where performing accurate surveys.

oldandintheway · Jul 22, 2016

Depends, is this a routine recertification survey or in response to an incident. Although in theory surveyors may arrive at any time unannounced, I don't recall routine surveys occurring outside of regular state business hours. Surveyors are state employees. If they are investigating a sentinel event they may show up during the affected shift but not until they conduct a chart audit that would occur during business hours and the shift would then have some notice by default.