During Survey

2713 - During Survey (Rev. 1, 05-21-04) 2713A - Accompanying Surveyors (Rev. 1, 05-21-04) The surveyors may allow, or refuse to allow, facility personnel to accompany them during a survey. Each case is at the SA and the surveyor’s discretion and is to be worked out with facility management. Facility personnel may be helpful. They may answer questions or point out certain concerns to the survey team, thus making the entire process easier. Conversely, facility personnel may hinder the surveyor, argue about observed problems, and make the survey more difficult. This is not to be tolerated. The surveyors may refuse to allow facility staff to accompany the team if such behavior occurs. The surveyors should make a decision based on the circumstances at the time of the survey. However, the surveyors will always conduct interviews with patients/residents in strict privacy and with prior permission of the individuals. 2713B - Physical Contact With Patients/Residents (Rev. 1, 05-21-04) A surveyor is not to touch or examine a patient by himself or herself. However, in certain circumstances it is permissible and necessary to determine the physical condition of patients. For example, if the surveyor believes that blankets or clothing are hiding bedsores, bruises, or incontinence, they may remove the coverings and make a determination based on observation. Surveyor’s must obtain the patient’s (or representative’s) permission prior to making any examination. A surveyor should request that a staff member of the facility interact with the individual as necessary. The health and dignity of the patient is always of paramount concern. A surveyor must respect an individual’s refusal to be observed.