California Nursing Home Administrator License Practice Exam

How long must copies of past AHCA surveys be retained?

1. 1 year

2. 2 years

3. 5 years

4. 7 years

The correct answer is: 5 years

The correct answer, which indicates that copies of past AHCA (Agency for Health Care Administration) surveys must be retained for 5 years, aligns with the guidelines set forth by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and the regulations regarding long-term care facilities. Retaining these surveys for 5 years ensures that facilities have access to historical data regarding compliance and performance, which is essential for ongoing quality improvement efforts and regulatory compliance. This retention period allows nursing homes to track their compliance history, understand trends in their survey results, and utilize this information in staff training and policy development. It also provides a basis for accountability, allowing facilities to demonstrate their commitment to improving care quality over time and facilitating better performance during future surveys. The requirement to maintain these documents for 5 years reflects the importance placed on transparency and accountability in the care of residents in nursing homes, ensuring that facilities can be assessed historically for patterns in care and compliance with standards.