What must be done if the administrator is not onsite during a survey?

When an administrator is not onsite during a survey, the key action is to notify the administrator. This is essential because the administrator plays a vital role in the operation and standards of the healthcare facility. Their absence can create a gap in leadership and oversight during a critical evaluation process. By informing the administrator, it ensures they are aware of the situation and can take appropriate actions or provide guidance on how to proceed during the survey. This communication helps maintain the integrity of the survey process and ensures that any issues can be addressed effectively.

The other actions, while they may seem relevant, do not provide the same level of immediate oversight or action needed in this scenario. For instance, notifying the staff about the situation doesn't address the need for someone in a leadership role to respond to the survey. Documenting the absence may be important for record-keeping, but it does not actively contribute to managing the survey's requirements. Rescheduling the survey could be an option in some cases but is not necessarily required or practical in all situations. Thus, notifying the administrator is the most direct and responsible course of action to ensure compliance and readiness during the survey.