Which entity is responsible for conducting compliance surveys on behalf of CMS?

The responsibility for conducting compliance surveys on behalf of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) falls to a Survey Agency. These agencies are designated by CMS to evaluate whether healthcare facilities meet the federal standards necessary for participation in Medicare and Medicaid programs. Their surveys are essential in ensuring that healthcare organizations comply with regulations regarding the quality of care, patient safety, and various administrative processes.

While other entities, such as Accreditation Organizations, also conduct surveys, their role is generally focused on the accreditation process rather than compliance specifically on behalf of CMS. State Regulatory Bodies might enforce state-level regulations and conduct their own inspections, yet they operate under different mandates than the compliance surveys managed by Survey Agencies. In summary, the Survey Agency's direct relationship and designated function with CMS make it the correct answer to this question regarding compliance surveys.