Medical compliance isn’t new in the medical world. Designed to streamline the operations and conduct of medical practitioners, medical compliance is all about following the strict laws. Remember, following and complying with medical-related laws is a key cornerstone when it comes to safeguarding the health of people. To help you comply with these laws, this guide is going to take you through the top medical compliance tips and tricks for every medical practitioner.
Stick To the Strict Prescription Requirements
If you don’t want to get into problems with the law, adhere to the requirements when handling controlled substance prescriptions. According to DEA, you should include the right dates and signatures with the following explicit information:
- The full names of your patients
- The full address of your patients
- The full names, address, and DEA number of the practitioner
- The full name of the drug
- The strength of the drug
- The quantity and dosage form of the drug
- The directions of use for the drug
- The number of authorized refills
Additionally, you must write the prescription using ink, a pencil that cannot be edited, or a typewriter. The practitioner should manually sign it with a visible date. Don’t omit any details. Otherwise, you might be liable for a penalty of up to $850,000.
Controlled Substance Security Should Be Taken Seriously
Drugs can be stolen. This can be a great issue—especially when you are looking for compliance. Plus, don’t allow drug misuse. It can lead to serious penalties. Failing to comply with these requirements can lead to fines –which can amount to millions of dollars. Study the Controlled Substances Act requirements carefully. There are a number of security rules under the DEA rules. If you have access to controlled substances, it’s important to review these rules and regulations. Ensure that your department is conforming to these rules and regulations. These include effective controls as well as procedures that protect the substances from theft.
Take Action Immediately In Case of Theft or Loss
According to federal government laws, pharmaceuticals should always act as soon as possible whenever they suspect theft or loss. This is especially important when it comes to controlled substances. According to the DEA, you should liaise with the division office in your area whenever you suspect a loss or theft. This should be done in writing. This includes the theft of controlled substances, listed chemicals, and receptacles.
Remember, the opioid epidemic has rocked the world. That’s why all these laws are being enacted. According to experts, all drug distributors should be careful when handling controlled substances as well as narcotics. Even more, pharmacy owners should do everything to ensure that addictive drugs are prescribed to the right people. In case of any loss, they should report the matter immediately.
Consider Maintaining Impeccable Records
Record keeping is a vital component when it comes to medication compliance. Proper medication compliance requires stringent recordkeeping. According to experts, if you want to achieve real results, it’s important to maintain a complete, accurate, as well as up to date records as far as controlled substances are concerned. So, whether it’s stored, distributed, or disposed of substances, keep all the records.
Understand E-Prescribing Rules
The internet has made it possible for pharmacies to do e-prescriptions. However, these prescriptions can be abused. This can not only lead to lawsuits but also stiff penalties. That’s why pharmaceutical establishments should know all the laws that regulate e-prescriptions. Of course, e-prescriptions are relatively new in the medical field. However, there are several federal laws that govern these prescriptions. These include safety and security-related laws. In particular, you should follow strict laws when it comes to e-prescriptions of opioids. According to the stats, more than 24 stats in the US allow for electronic opioid prescriptions.
It’s also important to familiarize yourself with the exceptions when it comes to e-prescription laws. This applies prescriptions that involve complicated and long directions.
Open Emails Everyday
Don’t ignore any email. Open them on a daily basis. You will get updates on any medical compliance issue in real-time. Ask the communication or legal team to go through all emails. In most cases, compliance bodies will communicate with you regarding compliance. Also, join compliance forums. With forums, you will interact with other medical establishments. Plus, they will help you exchange information regarding medical compliance.
Meet With Your Billing Team
Be sure to meet at least once per month with the billing team to review the summary or reports. Pay close attention to revenues, receivables, and expenses.
Join Industry Associations
Joining an industry association offers you a platform to ask questions regarding compliance. Your association will tell you when the regulations are changed and how to comply. They will give you training advice. This will help you get ready for these changes and act accordingly.
Newsletters and Bulletins
Newsletters are another great source of information when it comes to medication compliance. In most cases, law firms, regulatory agencies, etc. send periodic newsletters to help subscribers with compliance-related issues. Here, you will learn about changes in compliance regulations whenever they happen. So, sign up for a few newsletters. Read these newsletters. They will help you with all matters of pharmacy compliance.
Hire a Compliance Officer
Compliance matters require skills and training. So, hire the right compliance officer to handle all matters compliance. He/she will maintain compliance regulations. However, if you don’t have the resources to hire a full-time officer, consider hiring someone to check the compliance regulations on a regular basis.
Attend Training
If you have time, consider attending external training. Alternatively, you can assign one of your employees to attend training. Training, online seminars, and conferences will teach you and your staff about the industry regulations and how to comply with them.
The Bottom-Line
Health is wealth. Health starts with how medical practitioners operate. It has to do with how they offer their services. That’s why world bodies such as the Drug Enforcement Administration and DEA were established. For better services, you must make your practice compliant. The above tips and tricks will help you comply with medical regulations.