What is a PREA Audit?

• A. A voluntary self-assessment by internal staff.
• B. A routine internal review conducted monthly by facility staff.
• C. An independent, unannounced evaluation of a facility’s compliance with PREA standards, conducted at least once every three years.
• D. A post-incident report released after substantiated allegations.

Answer: (C)

A PREA Audit is an independent, unannounced evaluation of a facility’s compliance with PREA standards, conducted at least once every three years. It is carried out by an external auditor, not by facility staff, and aims to verify that policies and practices meet the PREA requirements across areas like reporting, staff training, protections for residents, and responses to alleged incidents. The audit happens without prior notice to ensure the facility maintains real, everyday compliance, not just measures that show up during a planned review. The result is a formal audit report that documents findings and any deficiencies and informs improvements.

It isn’t a voluntary self-assessment conducted by internal staff, nor a routine internal review performed monthly by staff, nor a post-incident report released after substantiated allegations.