Abbreviated Standard Survey

7203.5 - Abbreviated Standard Survey (Rev. 244; Issued: 06-26-26; Effective: 06-26-26; Implementation: 06-26-26) The abbreviated standard survey focuses on particular tasks used for substantial changes in a facility’s organization and management. It does not cover all the aspects covered in the standard survey, but rather concentrates on a particular area of concern. 1. Substantial Changes in a Facility’s Organization and Management - If a facility notifies the SA of a change in organization or management, including a change of ownership, administration, management or the director of nursing, review the change to ensure compliance with the regulations. Request copies of the appropriate documents, e.g., written policies and procedures, personnel qualifications and agreements, etc., if they were not submitted. If changes in a facility’s organization and management are significant and raise questions of its continued substantial compliance, determine, through a survey, whether certain changes have caused a decline in quality of care furnished by a SNF or NF and determine whether deficiencies have resulted. Collect information about changes in the facility’s organization and management on the “Medicare and other Federal Care Program General Enrollment,” Form CMS-855. Surveyors may investigate any area of concern to make a compliance decision regarding any regulatory requirement, whether it is related to the original purpose of the survey complaint. The abbreviated standard survey may be expanded to cover additional areas, or to conduct a full standard survey if evidence is found that warrants a more extensive review. 2. Complaint Investigations – If the State’s review of a complaint allegation(s) concludes that one or more violations may have occurred, and only an onsite investigation can determine whether a deficiency(ies) exist, conduct a complaint investigation using the procedures for either a standard or abbreviated standard survey, depending on the nature of the complaint allegation. (See also Chapter 5 of this manual and 42 CFR 488.334.)