First Impressions of a Joint Commission Surveyor Jeff

First Impressions of a Joint Commission Surveyor Jeff Fleming MBA, CHFM, CHSP

First: Read the standards! Facts Take the time to actually read all of the standards that apply to you’re area of responsibility.

Surveyors will drive through and around your facility the night before or early the morning of the survey. They look for such things as exterior lighting , campus security, ease of access, etc… Facts 60% of Life Safety surveyors double as facility Directors or VP’s; they know all of the tricks so never try to fool them - you will get caught. Don’t make excuses as to why things are wrong.

Be Organized Have all of your documentation current and the last two years in the same format and organized the same. (Surveyors hate to dig through your unorganized paperwork) First Impressions Document review You should never trust an outside contractor for advice on compliance with a standard or regulation. If you hire a service contractor to test your fire alarm system, it is your responsibility to make sure that contractor is not only performing the test correctly, but is actually testing everything that is required to be tested.

First Impressions Building Tour Be prompt in the resolution of minor issues found during the building tour. The issues will still be cited, however, it shows an organizational commitment to do what is correct. This could be the difference in ending up with condition level findings. Don’t try to justify something that was found wrong.

First Impressions Building Tour

Discussion: What to Expect Objectives of the survey are to: 1. Drive Facility Director to drink 2. Ensure turnover in the Directors role 3. Be a collaborative educational learning opportunity