The Healthcare Compliance Pod

We are on part three of a three-part AI series designed specifically for smaller healthcare providers. Last week, we covered AI as it relates to your vendors and contractors.In this week’s final episode, we shift our focus to patients. In particular, what and how to communicate with your patients regarding the organization’s use of artificial intelligence.Listen to learn how putting certain processes in place will help your organization be better prepared to manage AI risks and adapt as requirements and best practices inevitably evolve.Head over to the www.TheHealthcareCompliancePod.com for all our episodes and free resources.

We are on part two of a three-part AI series designed specifically for smaller healthcare providers. Last week, we covered AI risks related to employees.This week: purchasing software and services that might use AI. Where do you start? A simple question: “Does this product or service involve artificial intelligence?” It should become as routine as asking whether a vendor will handle protected health information for HIPAA purposes.Listen to learn how to create processes for reviewing AI tools and minimize compliance risks. To access the free checklist referenced during the episode, head over to www.TheHealthcareCompliancePod.com.

Every provider should incorporate basic AI provisions into their employment policies, including the employee handbook and acceptable use policy.This week on The Healthcare Compliance Pod, Susan Freed kicks off a three-part series on artificial intelligence, specifically designed for smaller health care providers.Explore previous podcast episodes and free resources at www.TheHealthcareCompliancePod.com.

If you have not updated your HIPAA Notice of Privacy Practices (NPP), now is the time!Healthcare attorney Susan Freed will walk through what you need to do to bring your Notice of Privacy Practices into compliance before the deadline. Explore previous podcast episodes and free resources at www.TheHealthcareCompliancePod.com.

How effective is your healthcare compliance committee? For busy compliance officers, a well-functioning compliance committee is essential, especially for those juggling multiple roles.Healthcare attorney Susan Freed discusses the key components to determining a productive compliance committee.Explore previous podcast episodes and free resources at www.TheHealthcareCompliancePod.com.

Most healthcare organizations understand the importance of a compliance officer but overlook a compliance committee. Learn why and how to create a compliance committee.Healthcare attorney Susan Freed discusses the importance of having a designated compliance officer and the main components of building a proper compliance committee.For ideas on agenda topics and sample agendas, explore previous podcast episodes and free resources at www.TheHealthcareCompliancePod.com.

Providing parents with access to their child’s healthcare information is not a new legal requirement, but given recent guidance and statements from federal regulators, it is an area of renewed enforcement focus.Healthcare attorney Susan Freed discusses a parent’s right to access their minor child’s healthcare records, how this right can be limited, and situations that can lead to disputes between providers and parents.For more tips on how to draft policies regarding minor consent and parent access policies, check out previous podcast episodes 53 and 54 at www.TheHealthcareCompliancePod.com.

CMS recently updated its hospital price transparency requirements, with the new rules effective January 1, 2026, and enforcement starting April 1, 2026.Healthcare attorney Susan Freed summarizes the new requirements and what hospitals need to do now to comply before the April 1 enforcement deadline.For more ideas on building and strengthening your compliance program, explore previous podcast episodes and free resources at www.TheHealthcareCompliancePod.com.

As 2026 kicks off, now is the perfect time for compliance officers to step back and think strategically about where to focus their efforts this year. While much of the compliance role is necessarily reactive, an effective compliance program cannot survive on reaction alone.On this week’s episode, healthcare attorney Susan Freed focuses on how and why compliance officers should set clear priorities for the year ahead – and how doing so can strengthen both the program and the organization’s culture of compliance.For more ideas on building and strengthening your compliance program, explore previous podcast episodes and free resources at www.TheHealthcareCompliancePod.com.

As 2025 winds down, it’s a great time for compliance teams to get ahead of what’s coming in the new year. On the latest episode, Susan Freed breaks down three simple action steps to help you start 2026 on solid footing.For more episodes and free resources – policies, checklists, and more – head over to www.TheHealthcareCompliancePod.com

A recent False Claims Act settlement highlights key risks every compliance professional should keep on their radar. On this week’s episode, we break down three red flags:🚩EMR defaults that drive coding or documentation🚩Providers who always bill the same code🚩Productivity targets that pressure unnecessary servicesVisit www.TheHealthcareCompliancePod.com for additional episodes and free resources.

With Thanksgiving approaching, it’s easy for February to feel far away. But February 16, 2026 – the deadline to implement the updated 42 CFR Part 2 regulations governing certain substance use disorder records – is now less than three months out. On this week’s episode of The Healthcare Compliance Pod, we break down what non-Part 2 providers must do to be ready. If this deadline is on your radar (or needs to be), this episode is a great place to start.Head over to www.TheHealthcareCompliancePod.com to check out related episodes (34 and 35) and implementation checklists for Part 2 providers and non-Part 2 providers.

Most physicians and providers understand the importance of Stark Law compliance – and how costly non-compliance can be. But did you know that even simple contracting mistakes can trigger violations?🎙️On this week’s podcast, we break down three common errors providers make in physician agreements and share practical tips to help ensure Stark compliance.Visit www.TheHealthcareCompliancePod.com for additional episodes and free resources.

Immigration enforcement has been making headlines, with an increased focus on workplace actions by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Earlier this year, restrictions that once limited enforcement in “sensitive” locations like hospitals were lifted – raising challenges for healthcare providers.In this replay of Episode 48, immigration attorney Elizabeth Van Arkel joins healthcare attorney Susan Freed to unpack what these changes mean for the healthcare industry. Learn how to prepare for an ICE visit, protect patient privacy, and respond effectively if agents arrive at your facility.Visit www.TheHealthcareCompliancePod.com for additional episodes and free resources.

In a special Halloween episode of The Healthcare Compliance Pod, attorney Susan Freed advises how to avoid hocus-pocus and security risks to prevent haunting compliance nightmares.

In this week’s episode of The Healthcare Compliance Pod, we explore a topic that doesn’t always get much attention but plays a critical role in protecting your organization: your record retention policy. While it may not sound exciting, a solid, well-implemented policy is an important compliance tool. It helps ensure you meet your legal obligations, can help defend against audits and litigation, and manage your resources responsibly.Check out our podcast this week for tips on how you can ensure your record retention policy is helping your organization mitigate risk. Visit www.TheHealthcareCompliancePod.com for more episodes and free resources.

Routine audits are one of the most important parts of an effective healthcare compliance program. They help organizations confirm they’re following the rules, identify issues before they become significant problems, and strengthen the overall culture of compliance.But a frequent question, especially in smaller organizations: what should I audit next?If you’re a compliance professional and feel stuck or like you’ve already covered all your audit topics, this week’s episode of The Healthcare Compliance Pod shares three places to find new ideas for proactive audits.If you’re new to compliance or just beginning your program, explore more resources and past episodes at www.TheHealthcareCompliancePod.com.

If your healthcare organization doesn’t yet have a formal compliance program and you’re not sure where to start, you’re not alone. But if you bill Medicare, Medicaid, or any government payer, regulators expect you to have one in place. More importantly, a strong compliance program protects your organization, promotes accountability, and sets you up for long-term success.On this week’s episode of The Healthcare Compliance Pod breaks down practical, achievable steps to get your compliance program off the ground — from naming a compliance officer to conducting your first risk assessment.If you’re new to compliance or just beginning your program, explore more resources and past episodes at www.TheHealthcareCompliancePod.com.

Offshoring protected health information (PHI) happens anytime a patient’s data is accessed, stored, or transmitted outside the United States or its territories. As more organizations rely on global resources, this practice is becoming increasingly common, making it critical for compliance officers to understand the risks and how to manage them.🎙️On this week’s Healthcare Compliance Podcast, Susan Freed breaks down what you need to know and shares practical tips for addressing offshoring risks with PHI.Visit TheHealthcareCompliancePod.com for free resources.

A few weeks ago, some listeners experienced technical issues with the audio on certain platforms. We’re bringing the episode back in full—because the topic is more timely than ever: imposter nurses.🚨Unlicensed individuals are slipping into nursing roles - putting patients, compliance, and reputations at risk.On The Healthcare Compliance Podcast, attorney Susan Freed breaks down:How this happensThe risks organizations face when they go undetectedWhat compliance and HR teams must do now to strengthen safeguardsVisit www.TheHealthcareCompliancePod.com for free resources.

Are you sure EKRA doesn’t apply to your healthcare organization? Think again.The Eliminating Kickbacks in Recovery Act (EKRA) was designed to fight fraud in substance use disorder treatment, but its reach is much broader than many realize. Even providers outside the substance use space—especially those involved with laboratory services—can be affected.Head over to www.TheHealthcareCompliancePod.com for a free sample policy.

Imposter nurses are on the rise - unlicensed individuals are slipping into nursing roles - putting patients, compliance, and reputations at risk. On this week’s episode of The Healthcare Compliance Podcast, Susan Freed breaks down:🔎 How imposter nurses are slipping through the cracks🚨 The risks organizations face when they go undetected✅ What compliance and HR teams must do now to strengthen safeguardsVisit TheHealthcareCompliancePod.com for free resources.

One of the toughest challenges for healthcare compliance professionals? Keeping up with constant changes in regulations, enforcement trends, and emerging risks. This week on The Healthcare Compliance Podcast, Susan Freed shares her approach to staying up to date and offers tips to help you build a successful routine of your own.Visit TheHealthcareCompliancePod.com for more info and free resources.

We’ve reached the final episode in our Back-to-Basics: HIPAA Edition podcast series! 🎧This week, Susan Freed dives into a patient’s right to request restrictions on the use and disclosure of their PHI—when providers must agree, the practical challenges, and how to communicate with patients when a request is denied.📄Plus, a sample policy you can use in your organization.Visit www.TheHealthcareCompliancePod.com for more episodes and free resources.

Our Back-to-Basics series celebrates back-to-school season by taking a fresh look at some basic compliance obligations. This week, we’re covering a right that isn’t often exercised, but important to understand: a patient’s right to request an accounting of disclosures. Learn why this request is rare, what it means for compliance, and what steps to take if one lands on your desk. Visit thehealthcarecompliancepod.com for more info and free resources.

📚 Back-to-school season means it’s time for a HIPAA refresher! This August, The Healthcare Compliance Pod is focusing on patient rights under HIPAA.Host @Susan Freed explains:💡What PHI amendments mean under HIPAA📬How to respond to amendment requests🛠 Where to find a sample policy & formsVisit TheHealthcareCompliancePod.com for more info and free resources. 

📚 In the spirit of back-to-school season, in Ep. 73 of The Healthcare Compliance Pod, attorney Susan Freed kicks off a Back to Basics series with a deep dive into one of HIPAA’s most used rights: the patient’s right of access.✔️ Practical tips📄 Free sample policy🎙️ Compliance insightsVisit TheHealthcareCompliancePod.com for more info and free resources.

🎙 Encore Episode – Three Mistakes CEOs Should AvoidIn this encore episode from The Healthcare Compliance Pod, we shift the focus from compliance professionals to CEOs and executive leaders.Top 3 mistakes that can undermine your compliance program:1️⃣ Failing to clearly define your Compliance Officer’s role2️⃣ Having the CEO (not the Compliance Officer) deliver board updates3️⃣ Excluding Compliance from key decision-makingAvoiding these pitfalls builds trust, strengthens your culture, and protects your organization.🎧 Listen to Ep. 72: Three Mistakes CEOs Should Avoid When Working with Their Compliance Officers (an encore of Ep. 33)Visit TheHealthcareCompliancePod.com for more info and free resources.

With changes to Medicaid eligibility on the horizon, attorney Susan Freed explains why it’s essential to revisit your good faith estimate process now. This episode covers:📋 Which patients should receive a Good Faith Estimate ⏱️ When to send it⚖️ How to stay compliantVisit TheHealthcareCompliancePod.com for more info and free resources.

“Use caution before charging patients extra fees.” Attorney Susan Freed unpacks how even small admin fees can lead to big compliance risks. Medicare, Medicaid, and insurers may prohibit charges for covered services.✅ Confirm services aren’t covered✅ Get patient consent✅ Follow state laws✅ Consult legal counselBottom line: Extra fees can mean serious legal exposure.Visit TheHealthcareCompliancePod.com for more info and free resources.

On this episode of The Healthcare Compliance Pod, we cover how to meet Section 1557 requirements and why language assistance is essential to patient safety and equity.✅ Assess needs✅ Use qualified interpreters✅ Translate key docs✅ Train staff✅ Share required noticesVisit TheHealthcareCompliancePod.com for more info and free resources.

🎧 New Episode (Replay): Before You Audit—Why Pre-Audit Planning MattersWhether proactive or reactive, every healthcare audit should start with a solid plan. In this week’s podcast replay, we break down what every compliance leader needs to consider before launching an audit—including scope, privilege, sampling strategy, and choosing the right auditor.🎙️ Thoughtful planning now can save you major compliance headaches later.Visit thehealthcarecompliancepod.com for more info and free resources.

Episode 67: Integrating Quality & Safety into Your Compliance Program (Replay of Ep. 18)One of the Office of Inspector General’s top recommendations? Align your compliance program with quality and safety oversight. But in organizations where these functions operate in silos, that’s easier said than done.This episode breaks down:✔️ Why integration can be challenging✔️ Five practical steps to get started✔️ How to handle resistance and build collaboration Visit TheHealthcareCompliancePod.com for more info and free resources.

🚨 Mid-Year Compliance Alert 🚨As we reach the midpoint of 2025, shifting federal enforcement priorities are reshaping compliance risk for healthcare organizations.Our latest article outlines three emerging focus areas every compliance officer should add to their work plan:1️⃣ DEI programs & False Claims Act exposure2️⃣ Scrutiny of gender-affirming care3️⃣ Risks tied to federal grants & financial aidStay ahead of the curve by reassessing your compliance strategy today.Visit TheHealthcareCompliancePod.com for more info and free resources.

In Episode 65 of The Healthcare Compliance Pod, attorney Susan Freed is joined by the founder and principal of The Best Practice, Stu Schaff.They discuss why over-relying on physician compensation benchmarks is a mistake organizations can’t afford to make.Visit TheHealthcareCompliancePod.com for more info and free resources.

Whistleblower risks are on the rise—don't let silence cost you!  Last year, we saw record qui tam claims under the False Claims Act. In Episode 64 of The Healthcare Compliance Pod, attorney Susan Freed shares 3 key strategies to mitigate these risks.Visit TheHealthcareCompliancePod.com for more info and free resources.

Lavish dinners. Paid speaking gigs. Questionable "educational" events.One pharmaceutical company just paid a steep price for crossing the line—$202 million for alleged anti-kickback violations.✅ What does this mean for your practice, hospital, or organization?✅ How can you engage with vendors without triggering legal exposure?Explore the key takeaways, red flags, and compliance best practices in Episode 63.Visit thehealthcarecompliancepod.com for more info and free resources.

This week, Susan looks back to one of her favorite episodes from last year in this special “encore episode.” Learn why leading with trust makes all the difference for compliance officers. When people see you as a resource and not an enforcer, they’re more likely to come forward with questions and concerns.Find more info on the companion blog: thehealthcarecompliancepod.com

In a recent False Claims Act case, a long-term care pharmacy and consulting services provider was held liable for submitting fraudulent claims to the government, culminating in a jury verdict awarding over $135 million in damages.In Episode 61 of The Healthcare Compliance Pod, attorney Susan Freed explores the key lessons and significant takeaways from the allegations and proceedings in this case.Visit thehealthcarecompliancepod.com for more info and free resources.

In episode 60 of The Healthcare Compliance Pod, attorney Susan Freed discusses why the recent updates to the SAFER Guidelines (Safety Assurance Factors for EHR Resilience) are essential for helping you assess the potential safety issues posed by your organization’s Electronic Health Records (EHR).Visit thehealthcarecompliancepod.com for more info and free resources.

Cash-based practices, or providers who neither participate with nor bill insurers, are becoming increasingly common. In Episode 59 of The Healthcare Compliance Pod, attorney Susan Freed walks you through the three types of Medicare providers, with particular emphasis on non-participating and opt-out providers and the requirements applicable to each.Visit thehealthcarecompliancepod.com for more info and free resources.

In Episode 58 of The Healthcare Compliance Pod, attorney Susan Freed discusses steps small providers can take to address potential discrimination in patient care decision support tools and meet the requirements of Section 1557 regulations, which become effective May 1, 2025. Visit thehealthcarecompliancepod.com for more info and free resources.

Drug diversion and misuse of prescribed medication can pose serious risks to patients, employees, and organizations. In Episode 57 of The Healthcare Compliance Pod, attorney Susan Freed stresses the importance of drug diversion prevention policies and how to create a robust organization-wide program.Visit thehealthcarecompliancepod.com for more info and free resources.

Delegated credentialing for telehealth providers can save hospitals significant time and resources. However, if it is not implemented correctly, it can also create compliance issues. In episode 56 of The Healthcare Compliance Pod, attorney Susan Freed discusses common compliance issues and provides a free resource to reduce compliance risks.Visit thehealthcarecompliancepod.com for more info and free resources.

Compliance training is one of the most important responsibilities of a compliance officer. A provider’s best defense to non-compliance is well-trained employees who understand and follow your policies. In Episode 55 of The Healthcare Compliance Pod, attorney Susan Freed explains how you can help ensure employees follow your policies.Visit thehealthcarecompliancepod.com for more info and free resources

In episode 54 of The Healthcare Compliance Pod, attorney Susan Freed covers the second and third of three common situations that arise in the treatment of minors (Part 1 is in Episode 53). Reminder - you can also find our free resources, including a checklist to help revise your policies.Visit thehealthcarecompliancepod.com for more info and free resources.

Episode 53 of The Healthcare Compliance Pod attorney Susan Freed covers the first of three common scenarios that arise in the treatment of minors. She discusses key considerations for crafting a comprehensive policy that aligns with both federal and state laws—plus, this week’s free resource includes a checklist to help revise your policy.Visit thehealthcarecompliancepod.com for more info and free resources.

According to President Trump’s recent Executive Order on hospital price transparency, federal agencies have 90 days to act. Attorney Susan Freed lays out what exactly needs to be done in Episode 52 of The Healthcare Compliance Pod.Visit thehealthcarecompliancepod.com for more info and free resources.

Is your Compliance Committee as effective as it could be? A well-structured agenda is the key to ensuring your committee stays focused and fulfills its purpose. From risk assessments to training reviews, every agenda item should tie back to compliance goals.This week on The Healthcare Compliance Pod, Susan Freed breaks down how to build smart compliance committee agendas that drive real results. Plus, she’s sharing sample agendas to help you get started! Visit thehealthcarecompliancepod.com for more info and free resources.

In January, the Department of Justice released its annual fraud statistics, revealing over $2.9 billion in healthcare fraud settlements and 979 qui tam lawsuits—the highest number ever filed by whistleblowers in a single year. Many enforcement actions involved unlawful kickbacks and Stark Law violations related to physician compensation.This week on The Healthcare Compliance Pod, Susan Freed breaks down one of these enforcement cases and discusses three critical mistakes providers should avoid in their physician compensation practices. Tune in now to stay ahead of compliance risks!Learn more at thehealthcarecompliancepod.com.