Developing mechanisms for reporting compliance violations.
Both the Federal Sentencing Guidelines and the Office of Inspector General's (OIG) Compliance Program Guidance for Hospitals can assist healthcare organizations in establishing a reporting system that encourages employees to report wrongdoing. One mechanism that is commonly used is the telephone hot line. Other mechanisms that can be used in conjunction with a hot line include a drop box or post office box, written or oral reports to supervisors, an open-door policy on the part of compliance personnel, and employee exit interviews. However the reporting system is set up, it should ensure confidentiality and a policy of nonretaliation to encourage the participation of all employees. Having a sound reporting system in place will enable healthcare organizations to investigate any alleged instances of noncompliance and take corrective action before the Federal government becomes involved.
Dowell
M A
MA
Miller & Holguin, Los Angeles, California, USA. mdowell@millerholguin.com
Russell
A G
AG
Gordon
J H
JH
D003219:Confidentiality; D017007:Duty to Warn; D005377:Financial Management, Hospital / Q000592:standards*; D005607:Fraud / Q000517:prevention & control*; D019983:Guideline Adherence; D015277:Hotlines; D006801:Humans; D016134:Organizational Policy; D010564:Personnel, Hospital; D012308:Risk Management / Q000379:methods*; D014342:Truth Disclosure; D014481:United States