All healthcare providers are required by law to establish a compliance plan. According to the Office of Inspector General, there are 7 fundamental elements of an effective plan.

Posted in Risk Management on Wednesday, September 4, 2019

Compliance plans are essential to any healthcare practice. In fact, it is required by Federal law for all healthcare providers to have a compliance plan. Compliance programs are required for healthcare providers under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) if they are enrolled in Medicare, Medicaid or Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP).

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:

1. Create and implement written policies and procedures
2. Designate a compliance officer and compliance committee
3. Develop reporting systems that can be used without fear of retaliation
4. Employee education and effective lines of communication
5. Conduct internal monitoring and auditing
6. Enforce policies using disciplinary guidelines
7. 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