Why You Need a Compliance Plan for Your Practice
Compliance plans are required for all healthcare providers, including dentists. Learn the 7 fundamental elements of an effective compliance plan.
Posted in Malpractice Insurance on Wednesday, September 4, 2019
As a dentist and a healthcare provider, you are required under Federal law to have a formal compliance plan. Providers must establish a compliance program if you are enrolled in Medicare, Medicaid or Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), which is required under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA).
Providers should have an effective compliance plan for each of the following:
- Billings and payments;
- Medical necessity and quality of care;
- Governance, mandatory reporting and credentialing; and
- Risk areas that are or should with due diligence be identified by the provider.
An effective compliance plan helps prevent fraudulent claims, erroneous billing and prepares you and your practice for federal audits. It can also show your commitment to ethical business operations, promotion of good employee conduct and dedication to providing quality care for patients.
On the other hand, not having a compliance plan in place can expose you to hefty federal penalties.
The Office of Inspector General for the United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS-OIG) identifies seven fundamental elements of an effective compliance plan and they are as follows:
- Create and implement written policies and procedures
- Designate a compliance officer and compliance committee
- Develop reporting systems that can be used without fear of retaliation
- Employee education and effective lines of communication
- Conduct internal monitoring and auditing
- Enforce policies using disciplinary guidelines
- Respond promptly to offenses and undertake corrective action
Compliance plans can be complex, involve many regulations and require layers of oversight on your part. Consider using a compliance expert to help get your program started, ensuring you meet the elements required.
If you’d like more information, there are a number of resources available, including:
A Roadmap for New Physicians by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services
CMS.gov: Compliance Program Policy and Guidance
HIPAA Compliance
Mandatory Reporting
Credentialing