🛡️ Do Small Practices Need a Compliance Plan? (Yes—and Here's Why)

If you're running a small healthcare practice, you might think compliance plans are for big hospitals or corporate systems. But here's the truth: every healthcare provider needs a compliance plan—especially small ones.

Why? Because the government doesn’t give you a pass just because your office has fewer employees.

⚖️ What Is a Compliance Plan?

A compliance plan is a written set of policies and procedures that helps ensure your practice follows:

• Federal and state healthcare laws

• Billing and coding rules

• HIPAA privacy and security regulations

• Anti-fraud and anti-kickback statutes

It's your internal GPS for staying on the right side of the law.

🧨 What Happens Without One?

• You’re at greater risk for billing errors, overpayments, and recoupments

• You may face penalties under the False Claims Act (even for honest mistakes)

• If audited, you’ll have no documentation to show a “good faith” effort to comply

• You’re vulnerable to whistleblower complaints from employees

✅ What Should Your Compliance Plan Include?

• A written Code of Conduct

• Policies on billing, documentation, and coding

• Designated Compliance Officer (even if that’s you)

• A process for internal auditing and monitoring

• A clear way for employees to report concerns without retaliation

• HIPAA privacy and breach procedures

• A plan for ongoing education and training

💡 Bonus: It’s a Business Asset

A compliance plan isn’t just legal protection—it’s a smart business tool. It:

• Builds trust with staff and patients

• Helps you identify billing issues early

• Can be used to negotiate better insurance contracts or pass payer credentialing reviews

🧠 Final Word

Compliance isn’t about fear. It’s about running your practice with clarity and confidence. And it doesn’t have to be complicated. A solo attorney (like me!) can help you create a right-sized compliance plan that fits your practice.

Let’s protect your business—before a payor or regulator knocks on the door.

📧 eric@hurleylawgroup.com
🌐 hurleylawgroup.com
🗓️ Book a consult today!