Sauber Consulting, LLC

Attention Healthcare Startups: Do You Have These 3 Compliance Blind Spots? Navigating the complex healthcare regulatory landscape can be daunting. Not only do you have to meet federal and state regulations, but also the requirements of private payers and employer groups who are also trying to meet regulator expectations. Compliance issues can quickly escalate from being overlooked to consuming the time of the organization, disrupting strategic objectives, and becoming very expensive. As a healthcare startup, you might be facing these common challenges: 🚫 Unaware of the full scope of compliance risks: I’ve heard founders say, “We have compliance covered, we are HIPAA compliant.” Many startups focus on patient privacy (which is a great start), but don't realize the extent of requirements related to patient quality and safety, staffing models, billing and coding practices, marketing, and referral relationships. This lack of awareness can quickly lead to costly mistakes and penalties. 💸 Misconception about budget constraints: Some startups believe they don't have the budget for a compliance program. However, an effective compliance program doesn't have to be expensive, and the cost of non-compliance can be many times more costly in the long run. What do they say about an ounce of prevention….? ⏰ Delayed implementation of compliance programs: Startups may delay implementing compliance programs, leading to built-in non-compliant practices that need to be remediated. Re-work will get in the way of continued progress toward other business objectives and hinder your growth. The solution? Start with a compliance risk assessment and build a foundational program that can scale as your organization grows. 🌱 Don't let compliance issues hold you back from achieving your vision. Take action now to protect your startup's future and set yourself up for long-term success. 🚀 Ready to build a compliance program that empowers trust in your healthcare startup? Book a consultation with Sauber Consulting today to start your journey towards compliance excellence. 📅 #healthcarestartup #compliance #riskassessment #operationalexcellence

Sauber Consulting, LLC is please to be a sponsor of the Value-Based Care Independent Consultants Network (#VBCICN).

A big thank you to Brandy Wilkins for inviting me to be a guest on the Kairos Conversations: Connecting with Quality - Podcast. It was a pleasure to discuss the crucial connection between ethics and compliance programs and quality in healthcare. These topics are at the heart of building trust with patients, employees, physicians, partners, and regulators. In the discussion, we explored how an ethics and compliance program isn't just about following rules but about fostering a culture of integrity and accountability that ultimately drives quality care. #HealthcareCompliance #EthicsInHealthcare #QualityCare #Podcast #SauberConsulting

🚨 Why Ethics and Compliance Programs Shouldn’t Be a Legal Sideshow 🚨 Matt Kelly of Radical Compliance wrote a thought-provoking blog this week on why you don’t need a law degree to be a compliance officer (see comments for link to article). This perspective challenges a common misconception that ethics and compliance programs are merely an extension of the legal department. When we assume this, we overlook the broader purpose of these programs. Ethics and compliance programs are about more than just conforming to legal requirements or avoiding fines and penalties. They are about shaping the conduct of the organization; fostering a culture where integrity is integrated into the fabric of the organization. The worst critique a regulator can give is that the organization’s words don’t match the behaviors, which don’t match what is documented. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (OIG), in its settlements with healthcare organizations, aptly names them corporate 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗴𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘆 agreements—a reminder that integrity is at the heart of what we do. The OIG has also reinforced the separation between legal and compliance functions in its November 2023 General Compliance Program guidance where it explicitly calls out that the compliance officer should not lead or report to the organization’s legal function. An effective program doesn't just aim to keep the organization compliant—it helps the organization create a culture where employees are empowered to speak up about issues, concerns, and ideas, and manages risk through a cross-disciplinary lens, including strategic, cultural, financial, operational, and legal considerations. Compliance is the baseline for behavior, not the end goal. When we view the ethics and compliance program as merely a branch of the legal department, we miss the opportunity to leverage it as a strategic asset. Thank you, Matt Kelly, for this crucial thought piece on why you don’t need to have a law degree to be a compliance officer. 🌟

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