Hospital Board hears compliance education talk

To open the board meeting, Cheri Benander, Director of Compliance Consulting Services from HealthTech, gave a presentation about compliance education. Compliance education, according to Benander, not only protects the care giver, but also those that receive it. In order to prevent costly lawsuits that may prevent the hospital from receiving federal support for Medicare and Medicaid acts, it also allows the hospital to reduce fraud and abuse, enhance operations, and improve quality of care.

Among the most important laws Benander covered in her presentation include the Physician Self-Referral Law, the Anti-Kickback Statute, and the False Claims Act. These laws prohibit submitting claims for false illnesses or patients and prohibit physicians from referring patients to receive health services payable by Medicare and Medicaid to family members.

In order to prevent violations of compliance policies, Benander encouraged the board to develop a plan to stay informed and encouraged the board to get employees to ask questions about possible violations.

According to Benander, laws are written in a confusing manner, and intent does not have to be proven in order to convict someone. However, with the formation of a compliance committee, open lines of communication between staff, education and training, and enforcing rules and discipline, violations are easy to avoid.

Benander encouraged board members to organize orientation for new members as well as focused topic presentations on interesting subjects to solidify the hospital’s compliance with all applicable laws.

Benander finished her presentation by stating that she was impressed with how the hospital has taken her suggestions and enforced proper compliance.

Among other business conducted was the motion to go forward with a bid to renew the Master Facility Plan. The board will ask the county commissioner for the $28,000 plus expenses necessary for the renewal at the upcoming count commissioner meeting.