State Survey Guidelines

Here are the biggest tips I can give you...

1. Never leave your med cart unlocked and unattended. If you have it out on the floor, it must remain within your direct line of vision. Do not leave patient info out in the open. And never leave any meds out!

2. Make sure you sign out all of your meds and treatments as you do them. Follow up with your PRNs.

3. Follow your patients' care plans!!! This is a HUGE one! Not only that, make sure careplans are up to date.

4. Follow your facility policies and protocols for hand washing, infection control, diabetic care, ect..

5. Treat each resident with dignity ie: ensure they are clean (hair brushed, faces shaved, nails trimmed, oral cares done), don't wipe their faces with their clothing protecters, don't stand while feeding, ect ect..

6. Ensure residents are being repositioned, pressure relieving measures are in place, ect ect.

7. If a surveyor asks you a question and you don't know the answer don't try and wing it. Let them know you do not know the answer but you will find out or direct them to the person who can answer their question. Be courteous and respectful. And if they want to talk at length with you don't be afraid to ask that your supervisor or DON is present.

I know the thought of the annual survey can be daunting and nerve wracking, just remember to breath and relax. You WILL get through it, we all do.

The State Operations Manual(SOM) is 600+ pages long, and much of it does not apply directly to Nurses.

Try researchign something like .. QIS manual or Guidelines to Surveyors for XX subject.

Essentially, follow the policies of the facility you are in. The policies are guided by the SOM, I (prettymuch) guarantee it, or the facility is not in compliance. Read your policies, because at the top is a listing that says CFR or F-Tag, if the policy interests you, then research the CFR# or F-Tag number. One is federal, one is state. Good Luck, keep your head Policy minded, keep yourself in league with the policies, and you should be OK.

The best assurance I can give is follow your companies policies regarding everything in question. No matter where you are, the surveyor will want to be sure you are following the policy designed by your home/company. ALL of these policies should be designed based on state and federal guidelines/regulations. You should have access to all policies and procedures your company has in place. Your DNS or DCE should be able to get these to you. You should also have audits completed routinely to be sure you are doing as expected. Competencies should be performed annually to be sure you understand the expectations of your position.