What is the title given to the requirements and guidelines that govern surveyors?

The correct answer refers to the State Operations Manual (SOM), which is a comprehensive guide outlining the requirements and guidelines surveyors must follow when conducting surveys of healthcare facilities. The SOM provides detailed instructions on how to interpret regulations and standards, ensuring consistent application during surveys. It encompasses federal standards and state-specific guidelines, thereby serving as an essential resource for surveyors in their evaluations of provider compliance, quality of care, and operational effectiveness.

Understanding the SOM is crucial for maintaining accountability and ensuring that healthcare providers meet established regulations; it serves as the standard reference used by surveyors during the review process. This manual directly supports the survey process by detailing the methodologies for conducting surveys, documenting findings, and adhering to both federal and state regulations.

In contrast, the other options such as Federal Survey Guidelines, Provider Compliance Standards, and National Care Regulations may relate to various aspects of healthcare regulations, but they do not encapsulate the specific comprehensive guidance provided by the SOM.