DIA Informs Providers to Anticipate Weekend Survey Activity

In an effort to catch up and reduce the state's survey cycle average, the Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals (DIA) has announced that the department is offering additional work opportunities to Health Facilities Surveyors that would allow them to work some weekends conducting nursing facility re-certification surveys and complaint/incident investigations.  DIA is required by CMS to maintain a statewide average of no more than 12.9 months between surveys, and the Iowa survey cycle has gradually been increasing over the past year.  The addition of weekend surveys (Friday-Saturday-Sunday) will allow the Department to decrease the cycle average and achieve compliance with CMS standards.

All members with nursing facilities are advised that weekend survey activity is now a possibility.  Surveyors are expected to carry and present appropriate identification, so providers can assure their legitimacy for conducting the survey or complaint/incident investigation.

Please don't hesitate to contact Liz Davidson, LAI's Director of Clinical Services, with any questions.