Many healthcare providers struggle with compliance. It can be a daunting, expensive task, but given the risks of a compliance failure, it is important for healthcare providers to continue to aim for a culture of compliance. Compliance can help providers avoid costly penalties and fines. It can improve staff communication and patient care and may improve your business.
Healthcare compliance requires healthcare providers and organizations to develop effective processes, policies, and procedures to define appropriate conduct, train staff and monitor adherence to the compliance plan. Many compliance issues relate to patient safety, patient information privacy and billing practices. Compliance programs help promote organizational adherence to applicable federal and state law, and private payer healthcare requirements. An effective compliance program can help protect you against fraud, abuse, waste, and other potential liability. Although not a new concept, many healthcare providers continue to struggle in this area.
The Office of Inspector General has set out seven elements of an effective compliance program.
1: Written policies and procedures that compose a corporate compliance program; code of conduct/ethics; training, acknowledgement and corrective action plans; and a disaster recovery plan;
2: A designated corporate compliance officer and compliance committees;
3: Effective training and education;
4: Open lines of communication;
5: Enforcement through well-publicized disciplinary guidelines;
6: Auditing and monitoring; and
7: Corrective action plans.
A compliance program works best when staff is engaged and the organization functions well as a whole. Employee surveys, internal collaboration, and incentivizing employees through rewards and recognition can help improve a group’s chance of a successful compliance program.
If you need help developing or evaluating a compliance plan, we can help.