As health care workers and long-term care facilities prepare to brave winter, the flu season, a possible resurgence of COVID-19 infections and regulatory scrutiny, enforcement and possible litigation, they can prepare by reviewing their corporate compliance plans and updating them as necessary to ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations and to mitigate liability risks. It is particularly important to review and update corporate compliance plans this year for compliance with extensive federal and state health guidelines during COVID-19.<\/p>\n
Nurses, physicians, and staff of long-term care facilities while confronting personal COVID-19 infection risks, have provided steadfast care for patients during a global pandemic. They continue to provide medical care, comfort, support, and friendship even in times of isolation. Responsible for the most at-risk individuals in our community, long-term care workers often have been the only people allowed to visit and care for our elderly, chronically ill, and disabled family members.<\/p>\n
Corporate compliance plans ensure that both caretakers and their patients are protected under health care laws while minimizing liability risks for inadvertent non-compliance. Further, as of January 2020, long-term care facilities that bill to Medicare or Medicaid are mandated to implement corporate compliance plans as a condition of participation under the Affordable Care Act. These plans are designed to facilitate internal communication, identify, and monitor standards of conduct, enhance training, and implement self-audits, as well as create anonymous reporting channels for any possible misconduct.<\/p>\n