January is the ideal time for long‑term care organizations to reset their compliance mindset. After the holidays, facilities often experience a natural slowdown — and surveyors know it. That’s why the first weeks of the year are critical for re‑establishing expectations, tightening processes, and ensuring that staff are aligned with regulatory requirements.
A strong compliance mindset starts with leadership. When leaders demonstrate consistency, accountability, and visibility, staff follow suit. This is the time to reinforce expectations around documentation, communication, and adherence to policy. It’s also the time to evaluate what worked last year, what didn’t, and where gaps may have emerged that you should address.
A few high‑impact January actions include:
- Reviewing policies and procedures for accuracy and alignment with current practices
- Reestablishing daily operational routines that may have slipped during the holidays
- Ensuring staff understand their roles in maintaining survey readiness
- Conducting quick environmental rounds to identify immediate risks
A proactive mindset in January sets the tone for the entire year. Facilities that start strong tend to stay strong — and survey outcomes reflect that. See you tomorrow for Day 2 of CMSCG’s 12 Days of Compliance.
New Year Compliance Check:
When was your last facility‑wide policy review?
If your facility needs support strengthening compliance systems for the new year, CMS Compliance Group can help. Contact us to discuss.
