Annual Survey
Definition: A comprehensive, unannounced inspection of a nursing home conducted by the state survey agency on behalf of CMS, typically occurring every 9-15 months. Also called the standard survey or recertification survey.
In Practice
Annual surveys evaluate compliance across all regulatory areas including quality of care, resident rights, environment, administration, and life safety. They are the primary method CMS uses to ensure nursing homes meet federal participation requirements. Facilities cannot predict exactly when the survey will occur.