What is a recommended action when preparing for an inspection?

• A. Develop an SOP outlining the process to follow for an inspection
• B. Immediately contact the inspectors with questions
• C. Hide noncompliant records until after the inspection
• D. Limit the scope of the inspection

Answer: (A)

Having a written, repeatable plan for how inspections will be handled is essential. An SOP for inspections outlines who does what, where records live, and the exact steps staff follow when an inspector arrives. It specifies which documents and areas to review, how to present materials, who answers questions, and how findings are documented and communicated, including timelines for addressing any issues.

This approach keeps everyone on the same page, makes the prep feel systematic rather than reactive, and demonstrates to inspectors that the facility runs under clear, approved procedures. It also supports training, so new team members can step in quickly and know precisely what to do during an inspection. Regularly updating the SOP and running mock inspections can help catch gaps before the real visit.

Other approaches that might seem tempting—like contacting inspectors with questions during prep, hiding records that don’t meet standards, or trying to limit what the inspectors review—do not promote transparency, compliance, or professional standards and can create bigger problems if discovered.