Another survey? Maybe not! Michigan nursing homes may have an opportunity to request a waiver from an onsite state licensure survey under certain circumstances. A recent approval letter from the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) provides a good reminder of how the Michigan nursing home survey waiver process works and what it actually means.

Michigan law requires the department to make at least one visit to each licensed health care community or agency every three years for a licensure survey and evaluation. However, the department may waive the onsite licensure survey if the nursing home requests a waiver and meets specific requirements.

What are those requirements? According to the approval letter, a nursing home requesting the waiver must provide documentation from its most recent standard federal survey. That survey must show substantial compliance or an accepted plan of correction that resulted in compliance.

In this case, the nursing home requested a waiver and submitted documentation from its most recent standard federal certification survey. LARA reviewed the survey and determined that it met the requirements for the waiver request. The department then granted the waiver from the onsite licensure survey.

Sounds great, right? Yes, but an approved Michigan nursing home survey waiver doesn’t mean LARA will no longer conduct onsite visits. The waiver applies to the required onsite licensure survey. LARA may still visit the community to investigate a complaint or conduct an additional licensure survey if needed.

Bottom line, if your community may qualify for a survey waiver, know the requirements and understand what the waiver does and does not cover. Take a look at your most recent federal certification survey. Did you achieve substantial compliance? If you had a plan of correction, did it result in compliance? Those details may make a difference when requesting a waiver.

And remember, even with an approved waiver, survey readiness doesn’t go away. Continue focusing on compliance, documentation and quality resident care every day, not just when you think a surveyor may walk through the door.

Stay well and stay informed!