Healthcare Compliance

Although many healthcare leaders applaud the fact that there is plenty of time to prepare for MOON requirements, there are lingering concerns, including limited patient education in the form and requirements for translating the form into other languages.

Although the vast majority of hospitals have been working to implement IRS regulations for patient financial assistance, healthcare leaders should focus on potential problem areas because compliance with all the requirements is necessary to qualify for tax-exempt status.

Hospital financial assistance policies should be easily accessible by patients, and staff should be trained to explain the policies and assess patient eligibility.

The Supreme Court ruled that “in some circumstances” hospitals’ implied certification of compliance with payment requirements may make them liable under the False Claims Act, but the decision’s reach is not as expansive as proposed by plaintiffs and the federal government.

A recent increase in false claims penalties and a Supreme Court case placing the burden on healthcare organizations to be aware of payment requirements, necessitates that hospital compliance officers redouble efforts to prevent false claims.

Both desk and on-site HIPAA audits will be performed, and every covered healthcare entity and business associate is eligible for an audit.

Currently, 17 states have adopted compacts to help physician specialists practice across state lines, opening the door for telemedicine opportunities.

Certain states are removing barriers to telemedicine by making it easier for physicians to practice across state lines.

Is it acceptable practice to retire fully depreciated EHR software or any percentage given that numerous upgrades have occurred?

HFMA has a long-standing recommendation to GASB to avoid differences between private-sector and public-sector standards that cannot be justified by fundamental differences between the two sectors.