SNF Mock Surveys & Survey Readiness

SNF Mock Surveys & Survey Readiness

CMS surveys are not random audits. They follow specific protocols — the Long-Term Care Survey Process (LTCSP), the Life Safety Code survey, the Infection Control survey, and complaint investigation procedures — each with its own documentation requirements, observation standards, and resident interview expectations. Surveyors are trained to use facility-specific data from the Casper system, complaint history, and quality measure trends to target their review. A facility that does not understand how surveyors think, what they look for first, and how they build a case toward a deficiency is a facility flying blind.

Our mock surveys are designed to remove that blindness entirely. We walk your building the way surveyors walk it. We review your clinical records the way surveyors review them. We interview residents and staff. We observe medication passes, meal service, transfers, and care delivery. And at the end, we give you a written report that uses actual F-tag language — so every finding connects directly to the regulatory standard you need to address.

What Our Mock Survey Covers

Health Survey (Standard Survey)

• Resident sampling aligned with the LTCSP protocol, targeting the same resident profiles selected by surveyors

• MDS accuracy spot checks and care plan alignment review

• Medication administration observation and medication management record review

• Dietary observation, including meal service, tray accuracy, texture compliance, and dining assistance practices

• Resident and family interviews utilizing CMS-standard interview methodologies

• Environmental rounds focusing on infection control, physical environment, accident hazards, and maintenance

• Nursing staff observation, including call bell response, repositioning, incontinence care, and preservation of resident dignity

• Clinical record review, including pressure injury documentation, fall investigation records, restraint use, and behavior management

• Abuse and neglect prevention program review, including policies, staff training, investigation files, and reporting logs

• Staffing documentation review, including daily staffing sheets, nursing hours per resident day (HPRD), and agency utilization

Life Safety Code Survey

• Building systems review, including fire alarm, sprinkler systems, emergency generators, and suppression system documentation

• Egress pathways and corridor compliance assessment

• Smoking policy review and designated smoking area compliance

• Maintenance and inspection record review, including elevators, HVAC systems, and kitchen equipment

Focused Infection Control Survey

• Infection control policy review and adherence to standard precautions

• Personal protective equipment (PPE) availability and proper usage observation

• Hand hygiene compliance observation

• Antibiotic stewardship program evaluation

Frequency Recommendations

We recommend that most facilities conduct a full mock survey at least once per year, with focused mock surveys in high-risk areas (infection control, dining, medication management) conducted quarterly. Facilities with recent deficiency history, complaint investigations, or declining quality measures should consider semi-annual full mock surveys.

What You Receive

• Written Mock Survey Report — Formal deficiency report utilizing CMS F-tag language, organized by scope and severity, including regulatory citations, detailed findings, and supporting evidence

• Prioritized Correction Plan Template — Structured Plan of Correction (POC) template for each cited deficiency, designed for immediate completion and implementation by your team

• Exit Conference — Verbal debrief with leadership outlining key findings, high-risk areas, immediate priorities, and survey readiness strategy

• 30-Day Follow-Up Call — Structured follow-up to assess progress on corrective actions, address implementation challenges, and provide ongoing guidance