Regulatory Compliance While the regulatory standard is being raised every day, the cost for noncompliance is increasing geometrically. Notwithstanding recent revelations in the hospital industry and the subsequent decline in share value, regulators are becoming increasingly impatient with noncompliance. Fines can now be levied with relative ease. Minor infractions can now become costly. The Federal Government is not the only one stepping up the pressure; many states have begun to fine companies for noncompliance. The cost of noncompliance is expanding beyond direct monetary penalties. The court of public relations sometimes delivers a penalty far in excess of the regulator’s fine. The media is quick to jump on noncompliance and is completely disinterested when the situation is corrected. The public perception lingers far longer than the problem. HSD can provide readiness consulting and pressure test your organization by performing NCQA, HIPAA, HCFA, JCAHO and most state agency "mock" surveys. We will identify gaps or areas of noncompliance, develop corrective actions plans, advocate on your behalf with regluators, and train your staff to successfully survive any investigation. Regarding HIPAA, our national alliance with WeAreHipaa (see "News") provides your organization with web-based, interactive, role based training for hospitals and physician practices. It's fun and it provides proof that your people passed with an acceptable level of understanding of their roles and accountabilities. It can be private labeled and custom questions designed to make it seamlessly address your organization's needs and unique procedures (separate price quote on this). It's available, 24/7 for your staff's convenience and cost-effectiveness. Alternatively, we are prepared to present HIPAA on site, in person to your employees and medical staff. Call for a quote on this one. The gap analysis: We tie our information technology people and security people into the privacy analysis to make the package complete. ©2000 HealthSystems Direct LLC