OIG Releases Resource Guide to Measure Compliance Program Effectiveness

On March 27, 2017, the Department of Health & Human Services, Office of Inspector General (OIG) published a resource guide for health care professionals to measure compliance program effectiveness. The resource guide provides compliance measurement tools for a wide range of health care organizations. The guide focuses on the following compliance program elements:

• Standards, Policies and Procedures
• Compliance Program Administration
• Screening and Evaluation of Employees, Physicians, Vendors and other Agents
• Communication, Education and Training on Compliance Issues
• Monitoring, Auditing and Internal Reporting Systems
• Discipline for Non-Compliance
• Investigations and Remedial Measures

Each element discussed contains a list of compliance program metrics.  The purpose of each metrics list is to give health care organizations as many ideas as possible regarding compliance program effectiveness, to be broad enough to help any type of organization and to let each organization choose which metrics are best suited to its needs.  The lists are not intended to be used as a standard for compliance with law, or for certification purposes.