After an overwhelming inaugural event last year, the MHA Corporate Compliance & Risk Management Conference took place virtually this year with a host of PYA thought leaders ready to serve up guidance for hospital compliance-related issues. A “menu” highlighting PYA sessions follows.
“Department of Justice (DOJ) Compliance Program Guidance”
PYA Principal and Chief Compliance Officer Shannon Sumner discussed how applying the DOJ’s approach to an effective compliance program can help healthcare organizations actively and successfully identify and address risk in “real time” for maximum protection. Her session covered best practices and key takeaways that organizations of all sizes can adopt to address the government’s expectations for effective compliance programs.
“Key Compliance Risks for Healthcare Organizations”
Shannon joined PYA Senior Consulting Manager Susan Thomas and Traci Waugh of Kalispell Regional for a presentation about the top compliance risks for healthcare organizations in 2021 and beyond. The presentation focused on:
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- Managing an environment of increasing risks and limited resources.
- Aligning organization risk assessments and resulting compliance work plans to areas most critical in achieving strategic goals and business objectives, while maintaining compliance with critical regulatory and other requirements.
- Employing a well-thought-out risk-based approach to focus on the most critical risk areas that can adversely affect an organization’s business operations.
“What Does the Board Need to Know About Compliance?”
Susan and Traci collaborated for two additional presentations. They joined Brian Betner, attorney at Hall Render Killian Heath & Lyman, to provide operational, compliance, and legal perspectives of board reporting content to assist the compliance function in supporting an organization’s oversight body.
“How to Use the OIG Work Plan in Your Compliance Program”
In this presentation, Susan and Traci outlined:
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- Three clear goals of the OIG strategic plan.
- Elements that constitute the OIG Work Plan—data-driven reviews and investigations, supported with auditing, investigative, and evaluative methods.
- The most recent Work Plan updates, including the challenges and effects of COVID-19 on the compliance program.
“Regulations: Both the Lifeblood and the Bane to the Existence of a Compliance Officer”
During a lunch discussion, PYA Senior Manager Kathy Reep addressed the reason we are all together — regulations. Absent regulations, what would a compliance officer do? Pre-COVID, there were more than 600 discrete regulatory requirements impacting healthcare providers. Amidst COVID, we have all felt the burden of new and updated “guidance” issued over the last few months. Kathy explored whether there is relief in sight. (Yes, there is a new regulation on regulations.)
“Cybersecurity During COVID-19: A Look Behind the Scenes”
PYA Principal Barry Mathis and Melissa Markey, attorney at Hall Render Killian Heath & Lyman, presented a session that covered information related to HIPAA, cybersecurity, and a special behind-the-scenes view into the tradecraft of “bad actors.” This unique presentation included:
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- Recent enforcement trends by the Office for Civil Rights.
- The current environment for ransomware.
- An opportunity to watch as Barry logs onto the Dark Web for a first-hand look at how bad actors operate.
- Ideas for managing cybersecurity threats.
“Ensuring Compliance in a Post-COVID-19 World”
Finally, PYA and Hall Render Killian Heath & Lyman thought leaders tackled compliance post-COVID-19. This session heightened awareness around broad regulatory trends:
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- Telehealth and other forms of virtual treatments.
- Clearing the regulatory backlog and enforcement priorities.
- Required documentation for expiring waivers, exceptions, and relief funding.
This MHA-hosted event, which was sponsored by PYA, Hall Render Killian Heath & Lyman, and Yellowstone Insurance Exchange, took place October 29-30, 2020.
If you would like assistance with hospital compliance matters or any matter involving compliance, strategy and integration, or valuation, contact a PYA executive below at (800) 270-9629.
