Page 9 - QAP Manual 2020

Quality Assessment Project Procedures
2020

Because your confidence will be reassuring to those surveyed, keep in mind the purpose of the
survey and its importance.

Be ready to answer questions (e.g. “Where will the information go?”) in a way that is truthful
and reassuring to respondents. Respect the consumer’s decision not to answer certain
questions. At the same time, surveyors are legally obligated to breach confidentiality if you
suspect possible abuse, neglect, identify health and safety issues or possible rights violations
(Refer to Rapid Response Procedures).

Every environment cannot be anticipated in this manual. In fact, you may find that every
survey is different. Please use common sense and your collective experiences to make sound
judgments on how to engage others and respond to surprises.

Place and Comfort
It is important that both you and the consumer are comfortable and can engage in the survey
without distractions. Since some questions may require confidential responses, be sensitive to
privacy issues and remind the consumer that he/she can decline to answer any questions.

Accommodations
If the person uses accommodations (e.g. communication board, other communication device),
take a moment before the survey begins to become familiar with it and understand how it is
successfully used. Remember to be patient and understand that the survey will most likely
take longer when communication devices are involved.

Confidentiality
The NCI survey is confidential. Answers are aggregated and not associated with any individual.
Consumers can decline to answer any questions. Responses are maintained on a secure sever
using the online data entry system. Confidentiality can only be breached in cases when you
must exercise your role as a mandated reporter.

When a Consumer Declines at the Survey
Occasionally, after starting at a scheduled survey, the consumer may change his/her mind
about participating in the survey. Ask for permission to speak to a family member or staff
person instead (remember only BI Section, Section 2 and Covid -19 supplement can be
completed in this case). End your visit if the consumer does not want to participate or have
anyone else do so as well. Update Survey Status on ODESA (SC-2 and SC-3)

Possible Abuse, Neglect, Health and Safety Issue, or Violation of Rights
You are responsible to report any suspected abuse or neglect, and any situation potentially
dangerous to any consumer's health and safety of which you have been made aware. You are

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