Service recipient records are a vital part of the accreditation survey process. When a Surveyor arrives for your on-site survey, your behavioral health organization must provide several service recipient record reports during the opening conference.

A new ACHC checklist (see details below) is available to help you assess your organization’s compliance with service recipient record requirements.

Required Service Recipient Records

Your Surveyor should be able to view or access all required service recipient records. Service recipient records should be available for the Surveyor to access either in hard copy or electronic format.

Being prepared to promptly supply service recipient record reports is critical. Failure to grant the Surveyor timely access to service recipient medical records may lead to survey deficiencies.

The Surveyor will use the reports to determine which service recipient records will be reviewed and which service recipient home visits will be conducted during your survey.

Three service recipient record reports are required:

• Active Census Report
• Schedule of Visits Report
• Discharged/Transferred Service Recipients Report

Survey Prep Checklist

Our new checklist can assist you in preparing for your ACHC Accreditation survey. The checklist details survey expectations for service recipient records. Use it to assess your survey readiness and take corrective steps, if needed, to avoid possible deficiencies.

A guide on electronic medical record (EMR) survey best practices is also provided for organizations that use and store electronic service recipient medical records.

Download a copy of the behavioral health checklist from the ACHC customer portal (under “Resources”) or fill out the accompanying form to receive an email with a link to the checklist.