The Let’s Talk Compliance partnership between PYA and Foley & Lardner recently expanded to a new podcast series of the same name. The Let’s Talk Compliance podcast series is for healthcare leaders and compliance professionals, as well as providers, suppliers, vendors, and others in the healthcare industry. The first episode, “Post-Pandemic: Time to Refocus on Your Compliance Program,” launched on June 29, 2023.
In each episode, a Foley & Lardner attorney and a PYA advisor will discuss a trending compliance topic and address questions they hear most often from clients. In the June 29 episode, Judy Waltz, Foley & Lardner Partner and Co-chair of the firm’s healthcare practice group, and PYA’s Shannon Sumner, Chief Compliance Officer and Nashville Managing Principal, expertly discuss the end of the COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE) and its impact on healthcare organizations’ compliance programs and offer ideas and insights about organizations’ next steps.
Waltz and Sumner state that in the post-PHE period, healthcare organizations have an opportunity to reflect on how the crisis changed their compliance programs, the lessons learned during the crisis, and what changes should remain or be eliminated. The presenters stress that organizations should realize waivers in effect during the PHE now are extinct, and regulatory tolerance for lack of compliance during the PHE has waned. The Office of Inspector General and the Department of Justice provide guidance for healthcare organizations.
A major area for post-PHE focus is risk assessment. Waltz and Sumner recommend engaging in a robust assessment process and then ensuring findings are addressed and where appropriate, implemented. Both Foley & Lardner and PYA offer resources, such as blogs, podcasts, checklists, webinars, and other resources to help organizations conduct thorough risk assessments and navigate the post-PHE environment.
The June 29 podcast was hosted by Jana Kolarik, Foley & Lardner Partner, and Angie Caldwell, PYA Principal. The Let’s Talk Compliance podcast is part of Foley & Lardner’s Health Care Law Today podcast series. Listeners can subscribe to both series on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or their preferred podcast app. For more information about Let’s Talk Compliance, view the series here.
If you would like assistance with developing or assessing a compliance program or any other matter related to compliance, regulatory requirements, valuation, strategy, or transactions, one of our executive contacts would be happy to assist. You may email them below or call (800) 270-9629.