Guidelines for Determining Standard Survey Frequency

2195 – Guidelines for Determining Standard Survey Frequency (Rev. 125, Issued: 10-31-14, Effective: 10-31-14, Implementation: 10-31-14) Section 1891(c)(2)(A) of the Act states that standard surveys will occur not later than 36 months after the previous standard survey, and that the Secretary shall establish a frequency for surveys within this 36-month interval commensurate with the need to assure the delivery of quality home health services. CMS will identify HHAs to be surveyed each fiscal year according to specific criteria and budget allowances. This list will contain the names of HHAs that have not been surveyed for 24 months or longer, and that are due for survey during the coming fiscal year. CMS will send this list to the State Survey Agencies each year. The annual budget criteria also specify the priority for complaint surveys, validation surveys and any other targeted surveys for the upcoming fiscal year. NOTE: The survey process guidance is now found in Part I of Appendix B.