How should contractors address discrepancies found during a CMS audit?

Addressing discrepancies found during a CMS audit requires a proactive approach to ensure compliance and maintain project integrity. Contractors should actively respond to identified issues by investigating the discrepancies, implementing corrective measures, and documenting these actions thoroughly. This documentation serves as a record of the contractor's commitment to quality and compliance, which can be beneficial for future audits and for building trust with clients and stakeholders. Proactive resolution helps mitigate potential issues before they escalate, thus reinforcing the contractor's reputation and safeguarding project outcomes.

While ignoring minor issues may seem tempting, it can lead to larger problems down the road. Delaying responses until the next audit or only notifying the project owner does not adequately address the root of the discrepancies, which may further complicate the situation or lead to non-compliance penalties. Therefore, the approach of addressing issues proactively and providing necessary documentation is not only the best practice but also aligns with maintaining ethical standards in contracting work.