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March 30, 1999

At our March 30 communications meeting, Reece Smith, manager of Compliance, gave the management team an update on compliance and provided information to be used as a compliance “refresher course” for all Medical Center employees. Everyone’s cooperation is needed to complete the compliance training update. Managers are reminded to please be sure to follow through with reporting and documenting the training as called for in the guidelines issued.

Eliminating Medicare fraud and abuse remains a top priority for the federal government. The government has devoted tremendous resources to this effort. We can expect compliance to continue to be a high priority as we look to the future.

We began the Medical Center’s compliance program in the spring of 1997, with the appointment of a compliance officer and committee. UMA and CMH compliance representatives worked with our compliance committee to share information and coordinate our plans. Our compliance policy (Medical Center Policy A-67) and code of conduct was implemented in January 1998. In February 1998, compliance training was conducted for all managers, and we followed through with compliance education for all employees during April 1998. Compliance also was included as a key orientation topic for new hires, and departments developed service area-specific compliance initiatives.

During this past year, the Medical Center’s Compliance Office has been busy assisting departments with their compliance programs, answering questions and being proactive to address compliance- related issues. Anyone who has a question or who observes what appears to be an unlawful practice or conduct should contact the Compliance Office (792-6128), or call the Compliance Hotline (1-888-398-2633).

W. Stuart Smith, Interim Vice President for Clinical Operations

CEO, MUSC Medical Center

Medical Center Security Update

• Paul Moss, manager of Medical Center Safety and Security, announced that a perimeter security system will be in place around the first floor of the Medical Center beginning April 15. After 6 p.m., people must enter and exit through the Clinical Science Building or North Tower entrances. The rest of the doors will be secured. In the event of a fire, the fire alarm will release the locked doors.
• In order to promote safety, security officers will frequently check employee identification badges and question others about their reasons for being in the Medical Center. Security officers will randomly monitor and inspect packages that are brought in and out of Medical Center facilities.

Compliance Training

• Reece Smith, manager of Compliance, reviewed the importance of compliance training for all Medical Center employees. Smith noted that health care fraud investigations are on the rise nationally. Medicare estimated $12.5 billion in fraud-related losses in 1998. The Compliance Office has worked with employees of the Medical Center during the past year to answer questions, implement procedures and promote education in all areas of compliance.
• Managers and directors will receive packets of compliance training materials to share with staff members. Training will include topics such as defining compliance, reviewing elements of the Medical Center’s Code of Conduct, and learning how to contact the Compliance Office and the Compliance Hotline with questions or concerns.
• Managers and directors who were not at this meeting can attend one of two make-up sessions: Wednesday, April 7 at 10 a.m., and Monday, April 12 at 2 p.m. Both meetings will be held in room 300 of the Clinical Sciences Building. Completed training rosters are due in the Compliance Office no later than May 15.

Announcements

• Blood Donors Needed Please make time to donate blood at the bloodmobiles at MUSC. The blood supply at MUSC and other local hospitals depends on YOUR donation. Walk-ins are welcome, but if you’d like to set an appointment for any of the dates below, please call 852-2922 and leave a message with the date and time preferred.

MUSC Harper Center Blood Drive

Thursday, April 8, 1999: 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. (Donors who donated on or before 2/11/99 are eligible to give again.) This blood drive is competition between MUSC schools!

Platelet Donors Also Needed!

MUSC Apheresis Center, Room 267, Main Hospital (843) 792-3340 Tuesday, Thursday: 9:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.; Wednesday, Friday: 7:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. Please call to set up an appointment today!