Publication of the OIG Compliance Program Guidance for Nursing Facilities

AGENCY: Office of Inspector General (OIG), HHS.

ACTION: Notice.

SUMMARY: This Federal Register notice sets forth the recently issued Compliance Program Guidance for Nursing Facilities developed by the Office of Inspector General (OIG). The OIG has previously developed and published compliance program guidance focused on several other areas and aspects of the health care industry. We believe that the development and issuance of this compliance program guidance for nursing facilities will continue to serve as a positive step toward promoting a higher level of ethical and lawful conduct throughout the entire health care industry.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Nicole C. Hall, Office of Counsel to the Inspector General, (202) 619–2078.

Summary
Background
I. Introduction
II. Compliance Program Elements
   A. The Seven Basic Compliance Elements
   B. Written Policies and Procedures
   C. Designation of a Compliance Officer and a Compliance Committee
   D. Conducting Effective Training and Education
   E. Developing Effective Lines of Communication
   F. Auditing and Monitoring
   G. Enforcing Standards Through Well-Publicized Disciplinary Guidelines
   H. Responding to Detected Offenses and Developing Corrective Action Initiatives
III. Assessing the Effectiveness of a Compliance Program
IV. Conclusion
Appendix