44 Questions
What is the primary purpose of a healthcare organization's compliance plan?
To outline the organization's commitment to ethical and legal behavior
Which of the following healthcare entities may benefit from an effective healthcare compliance program?
All healthcare entities, regardless of size
Why is it important to address the eighth core element in a compliance plan?
To protect whistleblowers from retaliation
What is a key factor in the success of a healthcare compliance program?
The effort and professional drive of the organization
What should an organization do when designing a healthcare compliance program?
Research free resources from reputable sources
What should be included in a healthcare organization's compliance plan?
The seven core elements and a non-retaliation policy
How often should a healthcare organization review its compliance plan?
At least once a year
What is the role of senior management in a healthcare organization's compliance program?
To serve as a driving force for compliance
What should be included in a healthcare organization's compliance plan document?
All of the above
Why is it important to customize a healthcare compliance plan?
To fit the organization's unique circumstances
What is a key characteristic of an effective healthcare compliance program?
It achieves what was outlined in the compliance plan.
What is the purpose of the CERT reports?
To identify problem areas in billing, coding, and documenting.
What is the role of the OIG Work Plan?
To identify and investigate fraud, waste, and abuse.
What is a key factor in a compliance program's success?
The compliance professional or point of contact.
What is an important skill for a compliance professional to have?
Strong listening skills.
Why is it important for a compliance professional to know the OIG Work Plan?
To identify areas of risk and address them in the compliance plan.
What is a benefit of making compliance fun?
It increases employee engagement and understanding of the compliance plan.
What is the purpose of risk analysis in a healthcare compliance program?
To identify areas of weakness in the organization.
Why are compliance professionals in high demand?
Because healthcare is becoming more regulated.
What is a benefit of having a compliance point of contact?
It provides a single point of contact for compliance-related issues.
What is the primary goal of healthcare compliance?
To meet legal, ethical, and professional standards within a healthcare organization
What is the foundation of a compliance culture?
An organized plan with steps
In which year did the core elements of healthcare compliance first appear in the United States Sentencing Commission Guidelines Manual?
1991
Which organization provided further details regarding healthcare compliance in 1998?
The Office of Inspector General (OIG)
What is the focus of SSA, Section 1128I?
Nursing facilities and skilled nursing facilities that accept Medicare and Medicaid
Which manual requires a commitment to compliance, integrity, and ethical values?
The Medicare Managed Care Manual
What is the purpose of a compliance program in a healthcare organization?
To ensure that legal, ethical, and professional standards are met
What is the result of a well-implemented compliance program?
A culture that prevents, detects, and resolves fraud, waste, or abuse
What is the primary purpose of certification for compliance professionals?
To demonstrate a foundation in compliance complexities
What is an essential skill for compliance professionals to hold staff accountable?
Good communication skills
What is the main purpose of healthcare compliance?
To prevent fraud, waste, and abuse in healthcare claims
Why is it important for compliance professionals to adhere to their organization's code of conduct?
To ensure compliance with laws and regulations
What is the primary goal of healthcare compliance professionals?
To protect the organization and patients
What is the enforcement date for the ACA requirement for healthcare providers to have a compliance program?
Not set yet
What are the 7 core elements of healthcare compliance?
The SSA list above
What is the significance of the phrase 'what we permit, we promote' in healthcare compliance?
It demonstrates the importance of ethical behavior
Why is continuing education essential for healthcare compliance professionals?
To stay up to date on compliance laws and regulations
What is the benefit of having a healthcare compliance program?
It sets a positive tone for the organization and helps detect issues early
What is the consequence of having a healthcare compliance program that is only for show?
It can cause many problems for the healthcare organization
What is mandated by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA)?
Healthcare providers to have a compliance program
What is the purpose of the 7 core elements of healthcare compliance?
To design and implement a healthcare compliance program featuring education, communication, and proactive measures
What is the goal of a healthcare compliance program?
To prevent fraud, waste, and abuse in healthcare claims
What is required by many state Medicaid units and commercial payers?
A healthcare compliance program
What is the main benefit of a healthcare compliance program for healthcare organizations?
It helps healthcare organizations to detect issues early
Study Notes
Healthcare Compliance
- Healthcare compliance is a proactive task to prevent fraud, waste, or abuse within a healthcare entity.
- A compliance program is an active, ongoing process to ensure that legal, ethical, and professional standards are met and communicated throughout the entire healthcare organization.
History of Healthcare Compliance Regulations
- The core elements of healthcare compliance first appeared in the United States Sentencing Commission Guidelines Manual in 1991.
- The Office of Inspector General (OIG) provided further details regarding healthcare compliance in 1998 with core steps that hospitals can use to start a compliance program.
7 Core Elements of Compliance
- The seven core elements of healthcare compliance are:
- Implementing written policies and procedures
- Designating a compliance officer and committee
- Conducting effective training and education
- Developing effective lines of communication
- Conducting internal monitoring and auditing
- Enforcing disciplinary standards through well-publicized guidelines
- Responding promptly to detected offenses and undertaking corrective action
Major Laws Related to Compliance
- The Social Security Act (SSA) discusses compliance components and ethics.
- The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) mandated that providers put a compliance plan in place.
- The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) provides guidance on healthcare compliance requirements.
Advantages of Healthcare Compliance Programs
- Healthcare compliance programs assist in preventing fraudulent healthcare claims submission to healthcare insurance carriers.
- Compliance programs help detect issues early, fix problems, and set a positive tone for the organization.
- Effective compliance programs demonstrate a commitment to compliance, integrity, and ethical values.
Settings That Benefit From Compliance Programs
- Many healthcare entities, such as hospitals, clinics, and medical groups, can benefit from an effective healthcare compliance program.
- The OIG provides free resources to assist organizations with designing a healthcare compliance program.
Healthcare Compliance and Organization Size
- The size of the organization matters, with larger organizations facing more compliance risks and needing more checks and balances in place.
Designing a Healthcare Compliance Program
- A large budget is not necessary to design and implement a compliance program.
- The OIG and CMS provide free resources and tools to help create a compliance plan.
- The plan needs to be customized to fit an organization's unique circumstances and address all seven core compliance elements.
Effective Healthcare Compliance Programs
- An effective healthcare compliance program is one where the outcome of the compliance plan achieves what was outlined in it.
- Authorities such as the Department of Justice (DOJ) evaluate the effectiveness of compliance programs.
- The DOJ's Evaluation of Corporate Compliance Programs is a key resource for ensuring a compliance plan is effective.
Healthcare Compliance as a Career
- The need for qualified and knowledgeable healthcare compliance professionals grows globally.
- Certification and credentials demonstrate a foundation in compliance complexities and help professionals feel confident in their skills and abilities.
- Continuing education is essential for anyone serious about healthcare compliance as a career.
Learn about the importance of healthcare compliance programs in preventing fraud, waste, and abuse within healthcare organizations. Understand the role of compliance in promoting a culture of ethical standards and preventing illegal activities.
Make Your Own Quizzes and Flashcards
Convert your notes into interactive study material.
Get started for free