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Mock Surveys: Are They Necessary?

Dan Thorne • Jun 16, 2023

A mock survey can reduce the stress level and pressure for an agency and prepare them for a better outcome for accreditation. 

You probably heard about a mock survey if you are preparing for a behavioral health accreditation, with Joint Commission, Council on Accreditation (COA) or CARF. The purpose of a mock survey is to prepare you for the actual survey when the accreditation agency arrives. But is it a necessary part of your accreditation preparation?



A mock survey is as it sounds, a simulated assessment and appraisal of your agency’s readiness for accreditation. This mock survey is not as extensive as the two-day or three-day survey, but thorough enough for the agency to know if they are ready. A consultant arrives at your agency or conducts the mock survey virtually. They may take one day to direct it. The usual agenda for a one-day mock survey is to meet with leaders and staff, review clinical and administrative documents, and then tour the facility. Once the mock survey is completed, the consultant will submit a report on their findings and suggestions to prepare for the real thing. 


Within a mock survey, the consultant will look at three key areas:

1.      Documentation- the agency’s policies and procedures that confirm the accreditation agency’s standards should be clear, legible, and approved by the agency’s leaders. Also, other documents related to plans (strategic, quality, risk management), personnel files, and financial reports must be ready.


2.      Analysis – any agency can conduct its operations regularly. But accreditation organizations want to know that a system exists to review the operations, analyze them for weaknesses, and take action to improve them. Critical incidents, emergency drills, and annual plans are some of the areas a surveyor will look at. This is the area where most organizations fail to pass accreditation standards. But a short, one-page summary of these events with suggestions for the future can be sufficient for passage.


3.      Training- accreditation agencies want to know that staff are regularly trained on operational and clinical procedures. Especially in high-risk environments where clients may have suicidal or homicidal thoughts or potential aggressive behaviors, frequent training must be held, documented, and retraining conducted for employees who are not performing properly. 

So, is a mock survey necessary?


The pros of a mock survey are that it gives the agency a “drill” to prepare before the actual survey. If any deficiencies are possible, the mock survey will find them. Then the agency can correct them before the true surveyors arrive. It is a way to be ahead of the game instead of worrying what they surveyors will do, creating less stress and worry for the agency. A mock survey is good for the agency who is new to accreditation or one that had difficulties in the past.


The cons of a mock survey is that it may be unnecessary for a seasoned agency with one or more surveys under their belt. They’re in the “been there, done that” mode and know what to expect. Unless they are adding programs or made significant changes and need to prepare for them. 

A mock survey can reduce the stress level and pressure for an agency and prepare them for a better outcome for accreditation. 


Praxes Behavioral Health provides consulting and training for accreditation with the Joint Commission, Council on Accreditation (COA) or CARF.  For more information, feel free to contact us.

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