The phase of the state survey where the survey team gathers information from OSCAR, the ombudsman and other sources prior to entering a facility is called ______.

The phase of the state survey in which the survey team collects information from OSCAR, the ombudsman, and other sources before actually visiting a facility is known as Offsite preparation. This phase is crucial as it allows the surveyors to familiarize themselves with the facility's history, performance, and any previous issues, providing context that can help them focus their onsite evaluations. By gathering pertinent information ahead of time, the survey team enhances their efficiency and effectiveness during the actual survey process. Conducting thorough offsite preparation helps ensure that they are equipped with the necessary background to address specific concerns and identify potential areas of improvement as they conduct their inspections.