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 proc...

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 hea...

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. TheHealthcareCompliance...

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 p...

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...

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 epi...

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 prioritie...

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 services Visit  www. TheHealthcareCompliancePod.com  for additional episodes a...

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 (o...

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....

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 atto...

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 litiga...

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...

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...

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...

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 happen...

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. TheHealthcareComplia...

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&nb...

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&...

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...