When Compliance Makes Mistakes

0
969
By Karen Chappell
kchappell3101@gmail.com

The take away for me so far at the 2015 HCCA Compliance Institute is that everyone at all levels of the hospital organization makes mistakes. Almost every speaker has listed a mistake that they have made in their compliance careers. The key from a compliance standpoint is to identify the mistake, admit the mistake, correct the mistake and take corrective action to prevent this type of mistake from recurring in the future. This was enlightening and freeing for me. So many times we are afraid to do something because we are afraid that we will make a mistake. This is especially so in the compliance arena where there are legal penalties and potential civil penalties. What I have learned in the past two days is that no matter how big or small the mistake, you need to admit it, report it, and correct it! Yes, even if it means reporting it to CMS and the chance of a regulatory investigation! From three former DOJ Prosecutors, covering up the problem leads to far worse outcomes!