Undergoing a government audit can be a very stressful experience for even the most experienced health center. The purpose of this article is to describe the audit process and highlight certain issues that are likely to arise in the course of an audit.

Today, it has never been more important to select the right individual to serve as a Compliance Officer. As concerns mount regarding the raising costs of health care and federal and state deficits, there is a growing emphasis throughout the health care industry on transparency and accountability. In an attempt to recover costs associated with fraud, waste, and abuse, the federal government has expanded the scope of potential legal liability and increased its enforcement efforts. Regardless of whether your health center plans to identify a Compliance Officer from among current staff, hire from outside the organization, or evaluate a current Compliance Officer, this article will highlight some of the characteristics that we recommend your Compliance Officer possess.

Volunteers can provide invaluable assistance to a health center. Remember, however, that volunteers are not eligible for medical malpractice protection under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA)! This article will explain some of the other mechanisms that may protect your volunteers – and your health center. It also gives suggestions as to how health centers can most effectively integrate volunteers into their programs.

Do you know when your FTCA deeming applications are due to HRSA this year? This article will not only answer that question, but also will address what information the application requires – including the extent to which malpractice liability claims and adverse actions must be disclosed.