Managing Healthcare Compliance in Kentucky

Responsible healthcare providers and compliance professionals in each state of the United States must follow specific regulations, and achieving healthcare compliance in Kentucky is no exception. Workers and organizations need to understand their evolving healthcare laws and standards in order to avoid non-compliance, which can cost an organization time, money, and reputation.

To manage healthcare compliance effectively, groups in Kentucky must set up reliable and sound systems that track regulatory changes so compliance can be maintained. Falling behind is not a fun place to be. This article gives a clear and detailed look at the important things you need to know about following healthcare laws in Kentucky, especially for those who provide healthcare and manage compliance.

Kentucky Healthcare Compliance Resources

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

• The Kentucky Department for Public Health (DPH) plays a vital role in promoting and protecting the health and wellness of the citizens of Kentucky through various programs, initiatives, and health services.
• The Kentucky Hospital Association (KHA) is an organization that represents and supports hospitals and healthcare facilities across Kentucky, working to improve healthcare quality, access, and delivery within the state.
• The Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS), Department for Medicaid Services administers the state’s Medicaid program, ensuring access to essential health care services for eligible low-income individuals and families in Kentucky.
• The Kentucky Board of Medical Licensure (KBML) is responsible for regulating and licensing medical professionals in Kentucky, ensuring that they meet the necessary standards for safe and ethical practice.
• The Kentucky Board of Licensed Professional Counselors oversees the licensing and regulation of professional counselors in the state, ensuring that they adhere to established standards of practice and ethics.

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

Regulations Unique to Kentucky

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

Medicaid Telehealth Regulations

In Kentucky, Medicaid telehealth regulations are crucial for healthcare providers and compliance professionals. These regulations, overseen by the Cabinet for Health and Family Services, establish how telehealth services are covered and reimbursed. Providers should know that live video, audio-only, store-and-forward, and remote patient monitoring are all managed care services eligible for reimbursement, increasing revenue opportunity and growth for practices. Health plans are also required to mirror in-person reimbursement rates for telehealth services. Of note, Kentucky regulation states that if a patient requests in-person services, Medicaid providers must meet this need within three weeks of the request, depending on the patient’s condition.

Hospital and Ambulatory Surgery Center Smoke Evacuation Law

Through collaboration between the Kentucky Nurses Association (KNA) and the Association of periOperative Registered Nurses (AORN), Kentucky requires a surgical smoke evacuation system for all hospitals and ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs). This law aims to protect operating room nurses, personnel, and patients from the hazards associated with surgical smoke. The Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS) is responsible for supplying facilities with administrative regulations. Healthcare leaders and compliance officers should refer to CHFS for guidance and specific compliance information.

Tips To Manage Healthcare Compliance in Kentucky

Effectively managing healthcare compliance in Kentucky 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 Kentucky-approved training.
• Organize Policies By Requirement: Including “KY” 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 Kentucky

For providers and credentialers in Kentucky, understanding the state’s unique medical licensing landscape is key. The state offers diverse licenses, such as physician, resident, institutional practice, faculty, and fellowship permits, tailored to different professional stages. One noteworthy credential is the temporary permit, valid for six months before full licensure, and the institutional practice limited license, specific to residents and valid for one year. The residency training lcense supports medical practice during residency. Faculty and fellowship training Licenses are for professionals in teaching roles or fellowship programs, including those with foreign medical education. Combined, these license options address the varied needs of Kentucky’s medical professionals at different career phases.

Meet Kentucky 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 Kentucky. 

MedTrainer’s all-in-one compliance platform can streamline management of Kentucky 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!