Every healthcare organization since 2010 has been required to have, not only a compliance program, but an effective one. Unfortunately, compliance sometimes is referred to in a negative way. It really shouldn’t be. It needs to be the culture of your practice. That is, if you want to be sustainable and successful.
The Office of Inspector General (OIG) has put together seven important elements that it has found to keep practices, like yours, in compliance. They call the following list “The Seven Elements of an Effective Compliance Program”:
#1: Implement written policies, procedures, and standards of conduct.
#2: Designate a compliance officer and a compliance committee.
#3: Conduct effective training and education.
#4: Develop effective lines of communication.
#5: Conduct internal monitoring and auditing.
#6: Enforce standards through well-publicized disciplinary guidelines.
#7: Respond promptly to detected offenses and undertake corrective action.
These seven elements are integrated processes that each practice can adopt to help develop a culture of compliance in the workplace; and, when applied effectively, the seven elements can also be used to streamline operational processes, optimize organizational performance, and reduce overall costs.
OSMA is currently planning a webinar on compliance in May free to all members. Dates and registration information will be provided to members soon. As we plan the webinar, we want to hear from you to help us know which areas of compliance you want to learn more about.