Updated Special Advisory Bulletin on the Effect of Exclusion From Participation in Federal Health Care Programs

AGENCY:

Office of Inspector General (OIG), HHS.

ACTION:

Notice.

SUMMARY:

This notice announces the release of an updated Special Advisory Bulletin on the effect of exclusion from participation in Federal health care programs by OIG. The updated Special Advisory Bulletin describes the scope and effect of the legal prohibition on payment by Federal health care programs for items or services furnished (1) by an excluded person or (2) at the medical direction or on the prescription of an excluded person. For purposes of OIG exclusion, payment by a Federal health care program includes amounts based on a cost report, fee schedule, prospective payment system, capitated rate, or other payment methodology. The updated Bulletin describes how exclusions can be violated and the administrative sanctions OIG can pursue against those who have violated an exclusion. The updated Bulletin also provides guidance to the health care industry on the scope and frequency of screening employees and contractors to determine whether they are excluded persons.

OIG has posted the full revision of the Special Advisory Bulletin on its Web site: http://oig.hhs.gov/exclusions/advisories.asp .

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Patrice S. Drew, Congressional and Regulatory Affairs, Office of Inspector General, (202) 619-1368.