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They've also identified ways we were doing things that looked overly
cumbersome and offered solutions they saw at other facilities.
Surveyors gave me a calendar-like spreadsheet that listed all the
accreditation requirements we must meet throughout the year,
including QI initiatives, board meetings, infection control monitoring
and biomechanical inspections. I was already meeting all those standards, but had separate files for the various committees and requirements spread across my office. The form keeps me on task and
helps organize the many aspects of care we have to focus on
throughout the year. I can also hand the form to surveyors to show
them exactly what we've done to remain compliant and when we
did it — which they love, because it makes their jobs easier.
Surveys aren't draconian white-glove inspections. Yes, surveyors
need to ensure you're following current standards, but they enter your
facility and deal with your staff in constructive, not punitive ways.
They let you meet standards in ways that make sense at your center —
they never force a round peg into a square hole just so you meet
national requirements. They also watch and learn during surveys at
various facilities, don't hesitate to impart the lessons they've learned,
and will share whatever knowledge they can offer. As I'm sure you
know, your fellow administrators are often very willing to share the
challenges they face and ideas for overcoming them. Surveyors are
conduits to those insights.
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