Questions and Answers
What is one responsibility of a surveyor?
CMS depends on surveyors to ensure quality health care is provided.
True
Who decides the composition of the survey team?
The State Agency or regional office
The quantity of survey team members is primarily based on the facility's _____ size.
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Which of the following must be included in standard surveys according to regulatory requirements?
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What happens if a surveyor has an employment history with a facility?
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Immediate family members can have financial interests in a surveyed facility.
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What are some factors that determine the composition of a survey team?
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What is the role of CMS in regards to surveyors?
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A conflict of interest may arise if a surveyor has a financial interest in a _____ facility.
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Which professionals should be included in a survey team?
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Study Notes
The Role of the Surveyor
- Assess quality of care and services in health facilities, ensuring compliance with regulations.
- Work within a team to evaluate facilities' adherence to quality care, quality of life, and structural requirements.
- Base judgments on objective findings.
CMS Depends on Its Surveyors
- Surveyors play a crucial role in ensuring beneficiaries receive quality healthcare in safe environments.
- CMS relies on surveyors' knowledge, professionalism, and commitment for monitoring compliance.
- Objective findings are essential for valid assessments.
Determining Survey Team Composition
- Survey team size varies based on facility size, historical deficiencies, special care units, and training needs of new surveyors.
- Decision-making lies with the State Agency or regional office regarding the quantity of team members.
Team Composition Requirements
- Multidisciplinary teams must include at least one registered nurse (RN) for standard surveys at skilled nursing facilities (SNF) and nursing facilities (NF).
- All surveyors must complete a CMS-approved training and testing program.
- Conflict of interest disqualifies surveyors from serving on specific teams.
Composition of Survey Team: State Guidance
- The State determines professional requirements for team members but must adhere to CMS guidelines.
- Encouraged to include a variety of clinically knowledgeable professionals in the survey team.
CMS Guidance: Using Multiple RNs
- Consider utilizing more than one registered nurse for facilities with residents needing complex care.
CMS Guidance: Variety of Professions
- Teams should comprise social workers, registered dietitians, pharmacists, and rehabilitation specialists to address resident rights and psychosocial care.
CMS Guidance: Clinical Expertise
- Include members with clinical expertise relevant to the facility's services and resident needs.
- For specific known issues, such as dietary or quality of life concerns, include relevant specialists in the survey team.
CMS Guidance: Specialized Disciplines
- Specialized individuals like physicians and therapists may be included when specific issues arise during surveys.
- These consultants provide valuable insights and support to the survey team.
CMS Guidance: Member Qualifications
- All survey team members must complete CMS-approved training and certifications.
- Trainees can participate in surveys under the supervision of qualified surveyors to gain practical experience.
Conflict of Interest Overview
- Conflicts of interest may occur if surveyors use positions for private gain or to benefit associates unfairly.
- Federal and State laws penalize misuse of privileged information or public trust.
Conflict of Interest: Employment History
- Surveyors with employment history at a facility (within two years) are disqualified from surveying that facility.
- The same rule applies to immediate family members.
Conflict of Interest: Financial Interest
- Surveyors with direct ownership interests in a facility face conflicts.
- Indirect investments through broad-based mutual funds do not count as conflicts.
Conflict of Interest: Immediate Family Member Definition
- Immediate family includes spouses, parents, children, siblings, and extended family.
- A conflict exists if any immediate family member has work or financial stakes in the facility.
Factors Affecting Survey Team Composition
- The number and type of team members depend on facility bed size, history of deficiencies, special care units, and new surveyor training presence.
- Teams must include at least one RN and surveyors must not have immediate family connections or financial interests in the facility.
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Description
Test your knowledge on the essential roles and responsibilities of surveyors in healthcare quality assurance. These flashcards provide a comprehensive overview of compliance evaluation and the importance of objective findings in assessing health facilities. Perfect for anyone involved in survey activities or healthcare management.
