The Cardinal Rules of Joint Commission Survey Preparation

There are four simple rules for being ready for a Joint Commission Environment of Care survey

1. Be prepared every day. Don’t try to guess when your next survey will take place.

2. Keep required documentation current, complete and accessible.

3. Listen to surveyor questions carefully. Answer what is asked without adding more information.

4. Keep your knowledge of the standards and survey process current.

   1. Read the current version of the Environment of Care standards and any applicable updates, Sentinel Event Alerts and National Patient Safety Goals.