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One of the many challenges of working in healthcare compliance is keeping up with all the changes in regulations. Despite which sector you are in, it seems there are new rules and regulations almost daily, which can catch your organization off guard if you’re not adequately set up to manage it. Whether you’re new to compliance or a seasoned professional, the following basics are helpful to keep in mind to stay in compliance and on top of any changes to regulations:
1. Define Sources – Depending on the patients or members you serve or the products you offer, the regulation sources applicable to your world will vary. Therefore, it’s critical to define and account for all the guidance that applies to your organization so that you can ensure baseline compliance and determine the best way to track and distribute changes.
2. Clarify Responsibilities – The responsibility for receiving and processing changes to guidance varies by organization. Therefore, it’s critical to understand who is responsible for all aspects of guidance receipt, distribution, and the monitoring and implementation of changes. Too often, poor communication can confuse who’s doing what, resulting in gaps that could have expensive ramifications.
3. Understand Expectations – Closely tied with clarifying responsibilities is an important factor in understanding the expectations of those impacted by the process. For example, it’s important to know what your senior leadership team and CEO expect as it relates to new guidance and implementation thereafter. Do they want an executive summary of proposed changes to the laws and the costs associated with implementing changes to comply? Overall, it can be difficult to succeed without understanding your stakeholders' demands and expectations.
4. Electronic Tracking – Finally, with all the complexities of healthcare, it’s critical to ensure you’re confident in your processes andleverage technology and automation whenever possible to ensure successl. One excellent way to manage guidance with ease is through the Guidance Distribution System (GDS). The tool automates the management and distribution of regulatory guidance, affording you confidence in your process and consistency in your method.