What kind of surveys does the Survey Agency conduct?

The Survey Agency primarily conducts compliance surveys for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). These surveys are essential for ensuring that healthcare facilities meet established federal standards and regulations related to safety, quality of care, and patient rights. The focus of these compliance surveys is to evaluate whether a healthcare organization adheres to the necessary conditions of participation outlined by CMS, which is vital for maintaining eligibility to receive federal funding.

In contrast, options outlining employee satisfaction surveys, community health needs assessments, and financial audits, while relevant to varied aspects of healthcare operations, do not represent the specific regulatory oversight that the Survey Agency is mandated to perform. Employee satisfaction surveys are typically conducted internally by healthcare organizations to better understand workforce morale and retention. Community health needs assessments are community-focused evaluations that identify health needs and gaps within a specific population but do not directly tie to compliance with federal regulations. Financial audits pertain to the financial performance and management of healthcare institutions, rather than compliance with health standards. Thus, the core mission of the Survey Agency aligns directly with conducting compliance surveys for CMS.