Can Your Compliance Program Adapt to Changing Times?

Aug 5, 2024

How well-equipped is your compliance program to handle the unpredictable shifts in the healthcare landscape?

healthcare compliance program To help answer this pressing question, Richard Kusserow, CEO of Strategic Management Services, and former DHHS Inspector General recently shared results of a 2024 benchmark survey about the current state of healthcare compliance programs. This annual survey provides valuable insights into the challenges and trends shaping the compliance landscape.

Challenges Facing Compliance Officers

One of the most significant challenges highlighted in the survey was the ever-changing regulatory environment. Compliance officers cited keeping up with new laws and regulations as their top risk concern. With the constant evolution of healthcare regulations at both the federal and state levels, coupled with shifting enforcement priorities, compliance professionals are under immense pressure to stay ahead of the curve.

Staffing and resource constraints emerged as another critical issue. Many organizations struggle to fill vacancies promptly, with some reporting that it takes six months or longer to hire a new compliance officer. Also, many respondents indicated that their compliance departments operate with only one or two staff members, making it challenging to manage compliance and HIPAA privacy requirements effectively.

Potential Solutions and Best Practices

The survey results underscored the importance of fostering a strong compliance culture from the top down. Organizations with robust support from leadership and boards were more likely to report positive outcomes in their compliance efforts.

Effective communication channels, such as town hall meetings, video messaging, and newsletters, were identified as crucial for promoting compliance awareness throughout the organization.

Independent compliance program assessments emerged as a critical best practice. While internal monitoring and auditing are essential, the survey highlighted the value of periodic independent evaluations to provide credible, objective assessments of program effectiveness. These external reviews can help organizations identify areas for improvement and demonstrate a commitment to compliance to regulatory bodies.

Final Thoughts

As the healthcare industry continues to navigate an increasingly complex regulatory landscape, the importance of robust compliance programs cannot be overstated. The survey findings underscore the need for organizations to prioritize compliance efforts, allocate adequate resources, and foster a culture of ethics and accountability from the top down.

Looking ahead, compliance professionals must remain vigilant in staying abreast of regulatory changes, embracing best practices, and leveraging technology and data analytics to streamline processes and identify potential risk areas proactively. By doing so, healthcare organizations can better protect themselves from costly legal and reputational consequences while upholding their commitment to delivering high-quality, ethical care.

In an era of heightened scrutiny and evolving risk factors, a strong compliance program is no longer a luxury but a necessity for any healthcare organization seeking long-term success and sustainability.