Special report on reimbursement. Medicare and Medicaid false claims prosecutions: your clerk's mistake can subject you to criminal penalties!

A number of steps are available to individual and institutional providers to minimize exposure under the new wave of enforcement activity. The first is education: learn what rules apply in your setting and share that knowledge with management and line employees. Second, undertake an independent compliance review to identify and resolve any existing exposure, including voluntary disclosure to the authorities, if appropriate. Third, institute an ongoing program to communicate to all employees not only the content of applicable rules, but also the genuine commitment of management to ensure continuing compliance above other concerns.