On November 29, 2023, the OIG released an article issuing a background screening audit conducted in the State of Louisiana in May 2021. The OIG sampled 9 of 276 nursing homes, and a total of 286 employees. Out of the 286 employees, 77 were licensed staff. The audit showed all 9 nursing homes met federal and state regulations and 77 of the licensed staff did not have any disciplinary actions against them. However, the OIG found “potential limitations in the nursing homes’ background check searches and adjudication methods” for 49 of the non-licensed employees.

Why is this information important?

The OIG expects health care organizations to check the HHS OIG List and List of Excluded Individuals and Entities, also known as the “LEIE” to ensure that new hires, current employees, volunteers, contractors, and businesses/vendors are not on the excluded list. There are two types of exclusions. The first being mandatory. A mandatory exclusion is given to an individual/entity if a felony conviction is received. A mandatory exclusion can last anywhere from 5 to 50 years or become permanent. A permissive exclusion is given to an individual/entity if a misdemeanor conviction is received. A permissive exclusion can last anywhere from one to five years.

How LW Consulting, Inc (LWCI) can help?

Regular exclusion checks should be a component of every compliance program to ensure employees, volunteers, contractors, and businesses/vendors have not been excluded.

LW Consulting, Inc. offers a cost-effective software platform for you to comply. Our software service allows your organization to check employees and businesses efficiently against multiple databases. Our user-friendly technology gives you the option to manage your exclusion checks yourself or have LWCI complete your exclusion checks and provide a comprehensive report each month.

For more information, contact Ashley Popovich, Consultant, with any questions by emailing [email protected].

References:
Louisiana Should Improve its Oversight of Nursing Homes’ Compliance with Requirements That Prohibit Employment of Individuals with Disqualifying Background Checks. Office of Inspector General. (2023, November 29). https://oig.hhs.gov/oas/reports/region6/62102000.asp