Q&A: Adverse event reporting recommendations from the OIG

Q: The Office of Inspector General (OIG) has recently issued for CMS to implement to improve event reporting structures. How can I make sure I comply with the recommendations that will eventually trickle down to my facility?

A: Moving forward, state surveyors and accreditation agencies will be focused on how you report adverse events and how you use adverse events to implement corrective processes. Its’ incredibly important for accreditation professionals to be informed about OIG activities and how the OIG may use event reporting and follow-up as a tool to impose sanctions and fines. Review your event reporting process and tools and quality management processes to make sure you’re adverse event reporting is effective.

- Excerpt from 3/29 webcast Adverse Event Reporting: Do you comply with OIG recommendations? with Renee Martin, JD, RN, MSN

Editor’s Note: Do you have a question about clarifying RFIs, policy management, or survey-prep for our experts? E-mail your queries to Jaclyn Beck at jbeck@hcpro.com and receive one-on-one advice from our experienced advisory board. Submit a question and our credible sources will provide you with a timely answer.