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NEW AHCA Life Safety Survey Resources

Life Safety surveys are an important part of the survey process and provide an opportunity for facilities to demonstrate their commitment to resident safety and regulatory compliance. Preparing for a survey involves coordinating a variety of records, plans, and facility information, making organization and readiness key to a smooth survey experience. 

To help providers prepare, AHCA's Emergency Preparedness and Life Safety Committee has developed a new resource: Tips for Preparing Before Your Life Safety Survey. 

The checklist is designed to help facilities review the documents, records, and information that surveyors commonly request during a Life Safety Survey. It can also serve as a useful tool for conducting internal readiness reviews throughout the year, to identify gaps and ensure important records remain current and accessible. 

The resource covers several key areas, including: 
  • Reference documents such as Life Safety Code and Healthcare Facilities Code materials 
  • Life safety drawings and building information 
  • Inspection, testing, and maintenance records for fire protection, electrical, and emergency systems 
  • Fire drill documentation 
  • Patient care-related and non-patient care electrical equipment records 
  • Emergency preparedness plans and supporting documentation, should it be requested  
  • Hazard Vulnerability Assessments, exercises, and staff training records 
 
In addition to documentation, the checklist highlights practical items facilities may want to have available during the survey process, such as facility drawings, keys for secured areas, flashlights, and ladders. 

The resource also includes reminders about post-survey activities, such as reviewing statements of deficiencies and developing plans of correction when needed. 

This resource, and other life safety resources, can be found here. 
Questions can be sent to emergencyprep@ahca.org?. 

Staff contact: mcarland[at]mehca.org
 

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