2023 Jul-Aug RETA Breeze

is actually looking for. It is a good practice (especially if you are not 100% sure) to get questions in writing to facilitate your internal team discussions. “Get back to them” allows you to properly formulate and format your answer. Remember, that questions on the program should be a “team” answer. Some questions are “leading questions” or traps. You may not recognize them, but legal professionals and outside consul tants have probably already experienced them so it’s wise to get their input before responding. Giving yourself a little time to respond allows you to incorporate some of the other tips: • Make your answers brief and to the point. • Whenever possible, answer with program documents. Finally, remember to close the day (and / or the audit) with a “Thank You.”This acknowledges the work of your team, but also helps set the tone with the auditor as they leave to consider what they saw and heard. AFTER THE AUDIT • If you haven’t called for additional resources yet, there is still time. • Follow-up or clarification questions from the auditor must be supplied in writing. • Make copies of every document you provide them. • Attempt to “close the gap” on any issue the inspector has already identified. • Share your results with sister facilities. • Defend your program with every defensible argument. Even if you declined to engage your corporate, 3rd-party consultant, and legal resources earlier in this process (when it would have yielded larger improvements) it’s still not too late! When an auditor asks further follow-up or clarifying questions once they’ve complet

audit without having to experience the pain you just experienced! Lastly, remember to have your team defend your program with every defensible argument – even if you decide to improve that program or its implementation. CONCLUSION Those of us who have experienced multiple inspections and audits have learned some strategies to improve our results. It’s been said that “Wisdom is healed pain” so it would be wise to learn from the pain we’ve already experienced to improve your performance!

ed their initial audit, it’s likely they are on to something. This is why it’s important to get these questions in writing so your entire team can engage for your answers. As before, make sure you keep exact copies of any answers and documents you provide to these questions. Where possible, close the gap of any- thing identified during the audit. Closing the gap shows “good faith” and improves the program as soon as possible. For example, if during the audit a lack of pipe labels was noticed, there’s no good reason not to address that deficiency as soon as possible. Sharing your audit findings, struggles, and improvements can make sure your sister facilities gain the benefit of your

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