1. What are the consequences for a healthcare facility if it fails to comply with regulatory standards during an audit?
ANSWER
If a healthcare facility fails to comply with regulatory standards during an audit, it can face fines and jeopardize its federal funding from Medicare and Medicaid. This non-compliance can lead to a budgetary crisis, potential closure, or the facility being purchased by another healthcare organization. Additionally, private insurers may follow the government’s lead and withhold funds, further exacerbating the financial strain on the facility.
2. What steps should be taken to create a Plan of Correction (POC) after deficiencies are identified in a healthcare facility?
After deficiencies are identified in a healthcare facility, the following steps should be taken to create a Plan of Correction (POC):
• Review each deficiency. • Determine the underlying (root) cause of the deficiency. • Create a measurable action to correct the deficiency. • Determine a reasonable timeline for the correction. • Assign a team member the responsibility for corrective action. • Determine how to monitor the correction over time. • Determine how to show evidence that the correction was effective. • Submit the POC to the survey agency by the deadline.