Survey readiness: be ready every day
The best survey prep never stops; these pages cover what surveys look like and the evidence to keep ready.
Start here.
- 42 CFR PART 416, SUBPARTS B AND C; CMS STATE OPERATIONS MANUAL, APPENDIX L
ASC survey readiness: how to be ready every day
Every CMS or state survey of an ambulatory surgery center is unannounced. Surveyors watch at least one surgical case, tour the building, interview people and review records. In the first hours they ask for surgery lists, transfers, policies and QAPI documents. Keep those records current every day.
CMS and state survey agencies; CMS-approved accrediting organizationsRead the guide - 42 CFR 488.308; 42 CFR PART 483, SUBPART B; CMS STATE OPERATIONS MANUAL CHAPTER 7 AND APPENDIX PP; LTCSP PROCEDURE GUIDE
Nursing home recertification survey: what happens and what to have ready
A nursing home's standard recertification survey is unannounced and runs at least two days in a row on site. It must happen no later than 15 months after the last one. Surveyors sample residents, observe care, and ask for incident, abuse-policy and QAPI records. Since September 8, 2026, higher-performing homes may get a shorter risk-based survey.
CMS and state survey agenciesRead the guide - 42 CFR 488.402(D); CMS STATE OPERATIONS MANUAL CHAPTER 7, SECTION 7317 (NURSING HOMES) AND APPENDIX L (ASCS)
Plan of correction: what CMS requires and how to write one that is accepted
A plan of correction is the facility's written answer to the deficiencies on Form CMS-2567. It is due within 10 calendar days of receiving the form. A nursing home plan must cover residents affected, residents at risk, systemic change, monitoring and completion dates. It is the facility's allegation of compliance.
CMS and state survey agenciesRead the guide - JOINT COMMISSION ACCREDITATION STANDARDS, NATIONAL PERFORMANCE GOALS AND SURVEY PROCESS GUIDE
Joint Commission survey readiness: unannounced surveys and tracers
Joint Commission surveys without notice, on a three-year cycle. That covers hospitals, critical access hospitals and CMS-deemed organizations. Surveyors use tracers, which follow real patients through the care process. Hospital standards were rewritten in 2026 (Accreditation 360), so show daily practice, not a binder.
The Joint CommissionRead the guide
Map every rule to the record.
IncidentKit connects each requirement to the incident, the investigation and the corrective action that satisfy it.