Around this time each year, I like to remind my clients about matters they can address at the beginning of each year--a New Year's Resolution for the client, if you will. Last year, I focused on updating and revising HIPAA compliance plans (which, if you have not done so recently, is a good idea). Thus, this year, it seems only natural that I focus on updating and revising corporate compliance plans.

Compliance plans are written strategies, adopted by a healthcare provider, to assist in its day-to-day compliance with applicable laws and business policies. While compliance plans have historically been optional for healthcare providers, with the passage of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, Congress has now mandated that healthcare providers who participate in a federal healthcare program implement a corporate compliance plan. Thus, an up-to-date and thorough corporate compliance plan is a necessity for any healthcare provider.

However, a compliance plan that is drafted without further review, revision, or implementation carries the same effect as having no compliance plan at all. Thus, to be effective and beneficial, all compliance plans should be periodically reviewed and revised to address changes in the law, operational changes, and past experiences. Why not make such review and revision your New Year's Resolution?

To read more about this topic, please see the link below:

Birmingham Medical News