Standard compliance. The process and art of preparation.

The primary purpose of most regulatory agencies is to insure that standards for patient care are defined and adequately supported by policy, procedure, and organizational structure. In addition, the regulatory agency evaluates the effectiveness of the organization in implementing and monitoring the standards for providing safe, quality patient care. The objectives of regulatory agencies do not differ significantly from the major responsibilities of nursing administration. Despite similar accountabilities between the surveyor of the regulatory agency and the nurse administrator of an organization, there may be a great deal of anxiety and stress before an accreditation visit. A method of understanding the standards, developing tools to monitor compliance with the standards, educating staff regarding the standards, and assuring nursing practice is in compliance with the standards is presented. A mechanism for organizing materials and information for the survey that will be effective for ongoing monitoring of standards is also discussed.