According to The OIG, Internal Monitoring and Auditing Should be Performed by What Means?
The Office of Inspector General (OIG) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) provides a set of guidelines for health care organizations to ensure that they are in compliance with regulatory laws. The OIG recommends that health care organizations should have an internal monitoring and auditing system in place to ensure their compliance with all applicable regulations. Internal monitoring and auditing should be performed using various means such as:
- Periodic Audits: The OIG recommends that health care organizations should complete periodic audits that assess their compliance with applicable laws and regulations. Audits should be conducted by a qualified external auditor who is experienced in health care compliance and can provide an independent perspective. The auditor should identify any areas of non-compliance and document any corrective actions taken.
- Internal Controls: The OIG has provided guidance on the development and use of internal controls to monitor compliance. Health care organizations should develop and implement internal control systems that should include processes, policies and procedures that provide an effective system for detecting and preventing violations of applicable laws and regulations. Internal controls should be regularly evaluated and tested to ensure that they are working properly.
- Compliance Programs: Health care organizations should develop and implement a comprehensive compliance program that provides training and education to staff, creates a system for reporting potential violations, and establishes procedures for correcting any failures in compliance. The compliance program should include periodic risk assessments to identify areas of potential non-compliance in order to develop corrective action plans.
By implementing these measures, health care organizations can ensure that they are in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations. As recommended by the OIG, health care organizations should have an internal monitoring and auditing system in place that includes periodic audits, internal controls, and a comprehensive compliance program.