- State Survey Agencies are responsible for ensuring that health-care facilities, including hospitals, nursing homes, and home health agencies, meet state and federal regulations and standards. State Survey Agencies are typically part of the state’s Department of Health and are responsible for conducting surveys, inspections,
and complaint investigations at healthcare facilities. - The primary goal of State Survey Agencies is to protect the health and safety of patients and residents in healthcare facilities. To do this, they conduct surveys and inspections to ensure that facilities are in compliance with regulations and standards related to patient care, quality of life, and facility operations. This may include checking for issues such as inadequate staffing levels, inadequate infection control measures, and failure to follow appropriate care protocols.
- State Survey Agencies also investigate complaints about healthcare facilities. If a patient, resident, or family member has a concern or complaint about the care or treatment received at a healthcare facility, they can contact the State Survey Agency to file a report. The State Survey Agency will then investigate the complaint and take appropriate action if necessary.
- If a healthcare facility is found to be out of compliance with regulations or standards, the State Survey Agency may take a variety of corrective actions, such as requiring the facility to make changes or improvements, issuing fines, or revoking the facility’s license.
- Overall, the State Survey Agency plays a critical role in ensuring the quality and safety of care in healthcare facilities. If beneficiaries have concerns or complaints about a healthcare facility, they can contact their state’s State Survey Agency for assistance.
