For how long must State survey results be retained at the facility?

The retention period for State survey results at health facilities is established to ensure that facilities maintain an accurate record of their compliance status and any corrective actions taken. Retaining survey results for two years allows facilities to have accessible documentation for audits, inspections, or reviews that may occur within that timeframe. This period aligns with the need for facilities to track their performance and improvements continuously, while also ensuring they can provide documentation in response to any regulatory inquiries.

Maintaining records for two years ensures that facilities can reference the previous surveys and validate compliance with standards, as well as prepare for future surveys. This retention period also reflects the balance between administrative burdens and regulatory requirements, allowing facilities to manage documentation without overly lengthy archival requirements.