The HHS Office of Inspector General (OIG) issued an Updated Special Advisory Bulletin on the Effect of Exclusion from Participation in Federal Health Care Programs on May 8, 2013. These guidelines recommend that health care providers screen their employees and contractors monthly to confirm that they are not on the OIG’s List of Excluded Individuals/Entities (EXCLUSION LIST).

In the past few years, we have seen an influx of complex regulations and increased litigation in the industry, making it even more difficult for companies to adhere to compliance best practices. Inadequate due diligence and negligent hiring practices in the healthcare sector harms not only an organization, but its patients, as well. More often than not, poor hiring decisions are a contributing factor in the rise of lawsuits, medical malpractice claims, and subsequent multimillion dollar settlements.

The big questions?

• Is your business in the health care industry?
• Do you participate in any Federal health care programs?
• Do you receive any Federal funding?
• Are you aware of the screening requirements?

In the past few years, we have seen an influx of complex regulations and increased litigation in the healthcare industry, making it increasingly difficult for companies to adhere to compliance best practices. Inadequate due diligence and negligent hiring practices in the healthcare sector harms not only an organization, but its patients as well. More often than not, poor hiring decisions are a contributing factor in the rise of lawsuits, medical malpractice claims and subsequent multimillion dollar settlements.

In the past few years, we have seen an influx of complex regulations and increased litigation in the healthcare industry, making it increasingly difficult for companies to adhere to compliance best practices. Inadequate due diligence and negligent hiring practices in the healthcare sector harms not only an organization, but its patients as well. More often than not, poor hiring decisions are a contributing factor in the rise of lawsuits, medical malpractice claims and subsequent multimillion dollar settlements.

On May 8, 2013, the HHS Office of Inspector General (OIG) issued an Updated Special Advisory Bulletin on the Effect of Exclusion from Participation in Federal Health Care Programs. These guidelines recommend that health care providers screen their employees and contractors monthly to confirm that they are not on the OIG’s List of Excluded Individuals/Entities (EXCLUSION LIST), or avoid penalties and loss of funding.

If you are in the health care industry and participate in a Federal Health Care Program, are you aware of the screening requirements under the OIG/GSA? In 2013, the HHS Office of Inspector General (OIG) issued an important, updated Special Advisory Bulletin on the effect of exclusion from participation in Federal Health Care Programs.