No-Nonsense Ways To Get Your Board Involved In Compliance

The OIG has stated, “every Board is responsible for ensuring that its organization complies with relevant Federal, State, and local laws.” In order to achieve this, the OIG recommends proper oversight of the organization’s compliance program.

And as a compliance officer, you want your board on board with your compliance program stat. Start by helping them realize the importance, show them that it’s easier than they think, and then maintain open communication with the board and educate them on the things that really matter.

Achieving Effective Oversight

Asking the right structural and operational questions is a great starting point for the board to achieve effective oversight. Key structural questions might be:

• How does the organization’s compliance reporting system work?
• What are the inherent limitations of the compliance program?
• What will be the level of resources necessary to implement the compliance program as envisioned by the board?

While some key operational questions might be:

• How has the Code of Conduct been incorporated into corporate policies?
• Does the compliance officer have sufficient authority to implement the compliance program?

Establish Communication with the Board

Establish communication with the board using pertinent measurables such as:

• Use benchmarks and dashboards to measure the success of your organization as it improves outcomes.
• Track how your organization compares to peers.

Educate the Board

Educate the board everything from the structure of the compliance program to the organization’s fraud and abuse risk areas. Including:

• Learn how quality, patient safety, and compliance information flows to the board.
• Publicize training so employees know that the board prioritizes compliance.

Watch our on-demand webinar, Tactics to Maximize Your Board's Role in Compliance, for more information on the responsibilities of the board in relation to compliance, questions boards can ask to begin program assessment, and how to effectively communicate with your board about your compliance program.