Community Health Network, one of the largest healthcare providers in the United States, recently entered into a Corporate Integrity Agreement with the Office of Inspector General (OIG) of the Department of Health and Human Services. This agreement is designed to ensure that Community Health Network complies with federal healthcare program requirements and operates with integrity.
The Corporate Integrity Agreement requires Community Health Network to establish and maintain an effective compliance program, including the appointment of a compliance officer and the implementation of compliance policies and procedures. The agreement also mandates that Community Health Network conduct periodic training for all employees on the importance of compliance with federal healthcare program requirements.
In addition, the Corporate Integrity Agreement requires Community Health Network to undergo regular audits and monitoring by an independent reviewer. This reviewer will assess the effectiveness of the compliance program and identify any areas of non-compliance that need to be addressed.
The Corporate Integrity Agreement is the result of an investigation by the OIG into Community Health Network`s compliance with federal healthcare program requirements. The investigation found that Community Health Network had violated these requirements in several ways, including submitting false claims to Medicare and Medicaid and paying physicians illegal kickbacks.
Community Health Network has agreed to pay $260 million to settle these allegations. In addition, the healthcare provider has agreed to cooperate with the OIG and to implement the Corporate Integrity Agreement.
The Corporate Integrity Agreement is an important tool in ensuring that healthcare providers comply with federal healthcare program requirements and operate with integrity. By requiring the establishment of an effective compliance program and regular monitoring, the agreement helps to prevent future violations of federal healthcare program requirements.
Overall, the Corporate Integrity Agreement between Community Health Network and the OIG is a positive step towards ensuring that healthcare providers operate with integrity and comply with federal healthcare program requirements. It serves as a reminder that all healthcare providers have a responsibility to operate ethically and in compliance with the law.