Government Alignment [Healthcare Compliance Tips]

Verify that your compliance program priorities align with the government.

From the SAI Global and Strategic Management Services “2019 Healthcare Compliance Benchmark Report,” they found:

• 77% of compliance officers are now responsible for HIPAA Privacy.
• 39% identified HIPAA Privacy as a high priority.

The report was very concerned with the HIPAA privacy results, in which they state:

“It is interesting as to why, in the face of the priorities of the enforcement agencies, those compliance officers are not placing these as higher-risk area priorities. It may be advisable to consider realigning priorities to be more in line with those set out by the regulatory and enforcement agencies.”

HIPAA is a large portion of a compliance officer’s job duties, which may be too much to bear due to other responsibilities.  Therefore, we suggest that independent HIPAA consultants are hired to assist with ensuring high-risk areas are prioritized.

If we are going to change the face of healthcare compliance, it is critical that we align with the expectations of the government.  We know it’s tough to enact everything at once, but you must start somewhere even if it is small.

*Post updated 3/4/2020.

**The opinions and observations from the group/author are not a promise to exempt your practice from fines and penalties.  Research, modify, and tailor the advice to fit your specialty.