In 2022, CMS announced a substantial increase in Stark Law voluntary self-disclosure settlements, totaling $9.29 million, a notable rise from the $1.99 million settled in 2021. The year saw a significant jump in the number of settlements, from 27 in 2021 to 104 in 2022. This surge is attributed to the self-referral disclosure protocol, a mechanism introduced under the Affordable Care Act that permits healthcare providers to voluntarily report possible violations, often incurring less than the total potential liability. Experts suggest that the increased disclosures might result from a reallocation of resources following the COVID-19 pandemic or an indication of CMS processing submissions more efficiently. Additionally, CMS has recently reduced the amount of publicly available information regarding the settlements, diminishing concerns about reputational damage among providers.
Maximizing Compliance and Minimizing Risk
Maximizing Compliance and Minimizing Risk: ComplyVision’s Role in Navigating the Surge of CMS Stark Law Settlements in 2022
ComplyVision emerges as a pivotal tool in maintaining compliance within healthcare organizations. It aligns providers with Medicare compliance guidelines, enhancing the efficiency of compliance-related workflows. This system aids in the early detection, tracking, and monitoring of possible fraud, waste, and abuse (FWA) violations. It also offers accountability features that link identified risks to appropriate corrective actions and regulatory procedures, fostering a culture of safety and compliance. Violations of laws prohibiting FWA can lead to severe penalties for providers, including fines ranging from $10,000 to $50,000 per violation and potential exclusion from billing CMS in the future. ComplyVision serves as a vital resource for organizations aiming to adhere to CMS Standards of Care guidelines, thereby safeguarding their operational integrity.