State agencies conduct surveys on behalf of CMS, including standard recertification surveys roughly annually and complaint investigations triggered by specific allegations. Surveyors observe care, review records, and interview residents and staff.
Findings of noncompliance are cited on the Statement of Deficiencies with an F-Tag and a scope and severity rating.
Alternative Names:
State Survey, Annual Survey, Recertification Survey
Why it Matters?
Survey results are among the most damaging documents in nursing home litigation because they are official findings of substandard care made by neutral government inspectors. Prior citations for the same deficiency that later injured the plaintiff establish notice cleanly. Defense counsel should obtain the facility's full survey history immediately, since plaintiff counsel will have it from public sources before filing.
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Frequently asked questions
How often are nursing homes surveyed?
Are survey results public?
