From McDermott, Will & Emery, by Tony Maida, Dale C. Van Demark, Monica Wallace:
- The US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of Inspector General (OIG) has published the General Compliance Program Guidance (GCPG) as a revised reference guide for the healthcare compliance community and other stakeholders.
- The GCPG specifically references technology companies and the growing prominence of private equity and other forms of private investment in the healthcare sector.
- The GCPG covers various risk areas, including quality and patient safety, new entrants in the industry, financial incentives and arrangements, and the role of private investors in compliance oversight.
- OIG’s concern about new entrants and private investment signals increased scrutiny in the healthcare marketplace and its private ownership foundation.
- Healthcare organizations should take steps to ensure their board members and executives are trained on healthcare legal and regulatory landscape, maintain an effective compliance program, and monitor further OIG guidance and enforcement actions.
- Private investors should also take note of OIG’s statements and the recent CMS rule requiring detailed ownership disclosure.