Healthcare Organizations Invest in Compliance Programs, Take Proactive Approach

A survey released by SAI360 and Strategic Management Services, LLC shows healthcare compliance programs continue to evolve in response to the ever-changing healthcare landscape.  

The 14th annual survey, which polled over 200 healthcare organizations, found organizations are increasingly investing in compliance programs, with 80 percent of respondents reporting their compliance budget has increased in the past year. 

The survey also found organizations are taking a more proactive approach to compliance, with 75 percent of respondents reporting that they have a formal compliance plan in place.

Seventy-five percent of healthcare organizations have a formal compliance plan in place.

Additionally, organizations are increasingly using technology to support their compliance efforts, with 65 percent of respondents reporting they use some form of compliance technology. 

The survey also found organizations are facing several challenges in their compliance efforts, including: 

• A lack of resources: 60 percent of respondents reported they do not have enough resources to effectively manage their compliance program 
• A lack of training: 55 percent of respondents reported their employees do not receive enough training on compliance issues 
• A lack of awareness: 50 percent of respondents reported their employees are not aware of the organization’s compliance policies and procedures 

“The role of the Compliance Officer should include ensuring all program managers are engaged in ongoing compliance monitoring of their operational areas of responsibility,” said Richard P. Kusserow, former DHHS Inspector General and CEO of Strategic Management Services. 

“It is advisable to have such an evaluation anytime an organization engages a new Compliance Officer from outside the organization. That person would benefit greatly from having a report on the results of such an evaluation,” added Kusserow. “Quite frankly, I would make it a condition of engagement to have such a review,” he concluded. 

Read our full healthcare compliance survey results here: https://www.sai360.com/resources/grc/compliance-grc/2023-healthcare-compliance-benchmark-report-whitepaper