Managing Healthcare Compliance in Indiana

A unique set of rules and standards can pose a unique set of challenges for overseeing healthcare compliance in Indiana. Just as in other states, Indiana health professionals and groups must have a firm grasp of state-specific regulations in order to effectively manage their healthcare compliance. For example, Indiana requires prescribing providers to use a prescription drug monitoring program (PDMP) and meet certain continuing education requirements to obtain a Controlled Substance Registration (CSR).

For healthcare compliance programs in Indiana to be successful, organizations must have methods in place for tracking and applying regulatory standards, while ensuring all staff are up to date with changes by governing bodies. This article provides an overview of the important aspects to healthcare compliance specific to Indiana State.

Indiana Healthcare Compliance Resources

Let’s start with the important state government agencies you’ll need to work with:

• The Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) is a government agency responsible for public health and comprises various departments, such as the Office of Compliance, which ensures adherence to ethical standards, regulations, and policies through awareness campaigns, monitoring, and addressing non-compliance.
• The Indiana Hospital Association (IHA) is a statewide organization that advocates for and supports Indiana hospitals, focusing on enhancing healthcare quality and accessibility across the state.
• The Indiana Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) is a state’s Medicaid agency that provides essential support and services, such as healthcare, mental health, and social services, to improve the welfare and quality of life for families and individuals in Indiana.
• The Indiana Professional Licensing Agency (IPLA) is the regulatory body responsible for licensing professionals and ensuring compliance with state standards across various industries in Indiana, including medical and behavioral health.

These agencies help maintain the integrity and quality of healthcare services in Indiana, protecting the public and promoting patient safety. The resources provided by these Indiana state agencies are essential for promoting public health, ensuring access to healthcare, supporting healthcare professionals, and enhancing overall health outcomes for the residents of Indiana.

Regulations Unique to Indiana

To meet the standards of healthcare compliance in Indiana, there are a few additional regulations.

Physician Noncompete Agreement Restrictions

Effective July 1, 2023, Senate Enrolled Act 7 (SEA 7 in Indiana) sets standards for noncompete agreements for physicians. Historically, noncompete agreements restrict where physicians can work after leaving an employer, a common practice among hospitals and health systems. However, SEA 7 prohibits noncompete clauses for primary care physicians and removes post-employment restrictions for all physicians if their contract has been fulfilled. This means employed physicians have greater freedom to practice wherever they choose post-contract. The law is intended to encourage hospitals to focus more on retaining physicians and incentive providers by adjusting compensation.

Prescription Drug Monitoring Program Requirement

The Indiana Scheduled Prescription Electronic Collection & Tracking Program (INSPECT) is the state’s prescription drug monitoring program (PDMP). As a key tool in combating the misuse and abuse of prescription drugs, healthcare providers must consult the INSPECT database before prescribing opioids or benzodiazepines. This program, backed by regulatory mandates like Senate Enrolled Act 221 (SEA 221), requires providers with a Controlled Substance Registration (CSR) to be registered with INSPECT. The phased implementation of this requirement, which began in 2018, ensures that various categories of practitioners, including those in emergency departments and pain management clinics, integrate INSPECT checks into their prescribing practices. INSPECT plays a vital role in addressing the opioid crisis and promoting responsible prescribing practices throughout Indiana.

Controlled Substance Registration Required for Certain Physicians

Senate Enrolled Act 225 (SEA 225) outlines the educational prerequisites for certain healthcare practitioners seeking to acquire or renew a Controlled Substance Registration (CSR). Effective July 1, 2019, providers must complete at least two hours of continuing education (CE) focused on opioid prescribing and abuse management within two years preceding their CSR application or renewal. Healthcare providers and employers can check the Indiana Public Licensing Agency’s website for a list of approved courses to ensure the CE credits obtained meet regulatory requirements.

Tips To Manage Healthcare Compliance in Indiana

Effectively managing healthcare compliance in Indiana is a critical responsibility for healthcare organizations, as it ensures the delivery of high-quality care while adhering to legal and regulatory requirements. Here are some key strategies to help healthcare organizations manage compliance effectively:

• Conduct State-Specific Training: Provide ongoing training and education to staff that is customized to your state’s regulations as well as your facility. If using a learning management system, ensure the vendor offers Indiana-approved training.
• Organize Policies By Requirement: Including “IN” in every document that is required by the state will make it much easier for you to find these documents in an online system when a surveyor is onsite. It is also best practice to include the standard you are meeting for additional clarity.
• Establish a System for Monitoring Risk: Being able to identify compliance risks before they become incidents or violations can save the entire organization time and money. Identifying trends and consistently reviewing reports can signal issues, such as training not being completed or a large number of incidents in one location.
• Use Compliance Management Software: Accreditation surveyors say organizations that use compliance software are more prepared for onsite visits and surveys. The software helps to keep documents and policies organized, ensures training content is up to date and makes reporting easy.

By implementing these strategies and fostering a culture of compliance within your healthcare organization, you can effectively manage healthcare compliance, reduce risks, and provide the best possible care to your patients while staying within legal boundaries.

Credentialing Compliance in Indiana

Indiana has specific credentialing requirements, including registering with the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency (IPLA) for all providers and the Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) for First Step providers. The First Steps program, which focuses on early intervention services for infants and toddlers, has specific credentialing processes for providers and service coordinators. For initial credentialing, professionals must complete the required training, adhere to any first-year supervision requirements, and submit a completed application within their first year of enrollment. Additionally, annual credential renewal is mandatory. It entails professional development activities, re-signing agreements, criminal history checks through the Indiana State Police, and fulfilling any ongoing supervision needs.

Meet Indiana Compliance Requirements With MedTrainer 

While the path may be complex, healthcare providers who prioritize compliance will not only avoid legal troubles but also enhance the quality of care they provide to their patients in Indiana. 

MedTrainer’s all-in-one compliance platform can streamline management of Indiana healthcare compliance. MedTrainer seamlessly consolidates your organization’s policies, incident reports, safety plans, HR documents, contracts, and more. This centralized repository ensures all employees have easy access to essential information. The course library is curated to align with regulatory and accreditation requirements, and courses are regularly added and updated to ensure the most current information. Learn more about MedTrainer today!