Aug. 20, 2026

CMS Releases Surveyor Resources for SNF Risk-Based Surveys

On August 20, 2026 by Kari Everson

On August 13, 2026, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released the surveyor resources for the newly implemented Risk Based Survey (RBS) process.

The Risk Based Survey

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services recently announced the formal, national implementation of the Risk-Based Survey (RBS). Minnesota was a pilot state for this survey type and members who have experienced this process have reported positive experiences.

This RBS is an abbreviated survey process that requires communities to meet certain standards to be eligible, and information can be found in QSO-26-14-NH. For more information, here is our recent advantage article on RBS.

Updated Surveyor Resources

The updated materials start with the naming convention RBS. Included in the resources are the following:

• RBS Entrance Conference Form
• RBS Facility Tasks Job Aid
• RBS Mapping Document Streamlined
• RBS Procedure Guide
• RBS Screening Job Aid
• RBS IP Care Areas and Probes
• RBS Pathways (Critical Element Pathways)
• RBS CMS-802

If you receive a RBS these resources will help you determine what to expect and how to move through this process. If you have questions, please contact Kari Everson.