The physical environment in long-term care carries the added responsibility of residents who cannot self-evacuate, which is why fire drills, smoke compartments and door assemblies receive so much surveyor attention.
What nursing facility survey readiness covers
- Life Safety Code assessment under the health care occupancy requirements
- Smoke compartments, fire and smoke barriers and corridor doors
- Fire drills by shift and quarter with documented evacuation
- Emergency generator testing and emergency lighting
- Kitchen hood suppression, oxygen storage and smoking policy compliance
- Emergency preparedness plan, exercises and documentation
Plan of correction support for K-tags
When a Life Safety survey results in K-tag deficiencies, the plan of correction needs specific corrective actions, responsible parties and monitoring. SRC drafts the response, coordinates the corrections and verifies the facility before the revisit.
Frequently asked questions
Both. State agency Life Safety surveys on behalf of CMS and accreditation surveys apply the same Life Safety Code requirements.