Healthcare Compliance

Guidance on Erythromycin Eye Ointment Shortage

The New York State Department of Health has issued guidance addressing the shortage of erythromycin (0.5%) ophthalmic ointment. The guidance provides alternative protocols for preventing ophthalmia neonatorum in newborns when erythromycin is unavailable, based on recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics.

NY Health: Conserve IV Fluids and Materials Due to Supply Chain Disruptions

The New York State Department of Health has issued guidance (DAL 24-07) to hospitals and diagnostic and treatment centers regarding conservation strategies for IV fluids and related materials due to ongoing supply chain disruptions. The directive urges providers to inventory, monitor usage, limit non-essential procedures, and prioritize critical uses of these supplies.

Blood Supply Disruption and Conservation Strategies for Hospitals

The New York State Department of Health has issued guidance to hospitals and diagnostic and treatment centers regarding blood supply disruptions. The directive outlines strategies for conserving blood products and optimizing their use during periods of decreased availability.

Updated Hospital and Center Facility Closure Plan Guidelines

The New York State Department of Health has issued updated guidance for facility closure plans for hospitals and various healthcare centers. This supersedes previous guidance and outlines requirements for both temporary (up to 60 days) and non-temporary closures, including notification procedures and potential sanctions for non-compliance.

NY Clarifies Clinical Lab Personnel Requirements for Glucometry

The New York State Department of Health has issued guidance clarifying clinical laboratory personnel requirements, specifically regarding nurses performing high-complexity glucometer testing. This clarification aligns with recent federal CMS interpretations and will be enforced by the NY Clinical Laboratory Evaluation Program.

OIG Audit: Medicaid Agencies Made $207M in Unallowable Payments for Deceased Enrollees

The HHS OIG has released an audit report finding that Medicaid agencies made an estimated $207.5 million in unallowable capitation payments to managed care organizations on behalf of deceased enrollees between July 2021 and June 2022. The report recommends CMS provide agencies with data to recover payments and explore OBBB Act implementation.

Maine Medicaid Autism Services Improper Payments

The HHS OIG has issued a report finding that Maine made at least $45.6 million in improper fee-for-service Medicaid payments for autism services provided to children. The audit identified that all sampled claims were improper or potentially improper, leading to recommendations for refunds and improved provider guidance.

HHS OIG: ACF Can Improve Homeless Youth Services Compliance

The HHS Office of Inspector General (OIG) issued a report finding that the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) can improve services to homeless youth by strengthening grant recipients' compliance with Transitional Living Program (TLP) requirements. The audit found significant documentation gaps in service provision for a large percentage of youth served by TLP grants.

HHS OIG: Hospital Cybersecurity Controls Need Improvement

The HHS Office of Inspector General (OIG) issued a report finding that a large southeastern hospital needs to improve its cybersecurity controls, particularly for web applications. The OIG made four recommendations to enhance defenses against cyberattacks, which the hospital has concurred with.

Philadelphia K-12 Schools COVID-19 Testing Program Audit

The HHS Office of Inspector General found that Philadelphia did not consistently monitor its COVID-19 screening testing program for K-12 schools, leading to $257,620 in unallowable costs and overpayments. The OIG recommended Philadelphia update its procedures for oversight and compliance.