How to Create an Effective Compliance Plan: Element 3

Written by Alexa Treubert

(Referencing  Measuring Compliance Program Effectiveness: A Resource Guide from HCCA-OIG)

Last week, we covered how to administer your compliance plan, and gave a few tips and tricks on how to do so efficiently. Along with that, we also discussed the benefits of having a compliance plan in place. (Go ahead and read element 2 here if you missed it last week https://americanmedicalcompliance.com/how-to-create-an-effective-compliance-plan-element-2/ )

This week, we are moving onto a brand new element that might seem like a no brainer to implement, but is a crucial step that many companies gloss over, eventually landing them in some pretty steep OSHA and HIPAA fines.

Element 3: Screening and Evaluations of Employees, Physicians, Vendors, and other Agents

It might seem like common sense to screen all employees, physicians, vendors, and other agents, but it is actually one of the most important parts of your compliance plan. In order to assure that your business is safe, it is crucial to be screening and evaluating your employees through the hiring process, and even throughout their career at your company. Below are some checkpoints to make sure you are really utilizing element 3.

• Be ahead of the game. Make sure all employees are aware of compliance expectations and annually review this! That being said… make sure all compliance obligations are clearly stated in the job description.
• When doing performance evaluations, include a compliance element to judge their performance. Know whats worse than having a cluttered desk? A HIPAA breach. We promise.
• Always complete background/sanction checks! And audit your HR resource files to ensure proper documentation was filed – it could be useful down the line. 
• Conduct compliance-sensitive exit interviews! Gain feedback of what employees feel like are missing or need clarification on – feedback, in any form, is helpful. 
• Be able to identify and disclose all conflicts of interests

All things considered, compliance plans are in place to protect you, your organization, and your employees. It is your responsibility to have proper screening and evaluations in place to prevent a problem before there is one. If you have any questions about the above material, contact American Medical Compliance to speak with a safety compliance officer today.

American Medical Compliance is a leader in healthcare compliance to make doing what you love easier.