Survey Tips & Updates (SNF)

Survey Copies – When a survey enters the facility make sure to assign a point person for copies. Introduce this individual to the survey team leader, who will be expecting you will have identified an individual for this role. Share the best way to contact your point person when copies are needed, either via email, phone, or written requests. Keeping all copy requests coordinated through one individual will decrease any confusion on both the part of the facility team and the survey team, and ultimately help keep the survey process moving along efficiently.

Infection Control Practices & Citations – There has been a recent increase in infection control citations (F-880) related to staff not wearing masks, not utilizing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) at appropriate times, or practicing hand hygiene. Although the mask and other COVID requirements in public settings are being lifted, the controls and infection prevention practices for nursing facilities and other healthcare settings remain active. We all are finally feeling the ability to relax our guard a bit outside the work setting, however we need to be vigilant while providing care to our vulnerable residents.

Masks are required at all times in areas accessible by residents even when community transmission levels are identified as Low. PPE and other source control measures are required for any resident in Transmission Based Precautions (TBP), or in situations where additional precautions should be utilized. And it goes without saying that rigorous hand hygiene practices are still required. To review the current Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) guidance, click HERE for guidance specific to nursing facility settings and HERE for PPE guidance in healthcare settings.