Managing Healthcare Compliance in Oklahoma

Managing healthcare compliance in Oklahoma means understanding and following a myriad of state-specific guidelines. One such aspect is the continuing medical education (CME) requirement for providers of inpatient care services. Adherence to regulations like these is necessary for maintaining effective compliance, providing quality care, and avoiding the consequences of non-compliance.

For healthcare organizations in Oklahoma to successfully manage these compliance demands, it’s vital to establish a comprehensive system. Effective compliance programs should be able to consistently track, understand, and adapt to regulatory changes in a timely manner. This post explores critical elements essential for navigating the nuances of healthcare compliance in Oklahoma.

Oklahoma Healthcare Compliance Resources

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

• The Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) is a government agency dedicated to protecting and improving public health and safety through various programs, regulations, and health services across the state of Oklahoma.
• The Oklahoma Hospital Association (OHA) is a statewide organization that represents and supports hospitals and healthcare providers across Oklahoma, advocating for quality patient care and healthcare policy improvements.
• The Oklahoma Health Care Authority (OHCA) is the primary state agency responsible for administering Medicaid and managing healthcare programs and initiatives to ensure accessible, affordable, and quality health care for Oklahoma residents.
• The Oklahoma State Board of Medical Licensure and Supervision is a regulatory body that oversees the licensing and regulation of medical professionals, ensuring they meet the necessary standards for safe and competent practice in Oklahoma.
• The Oklahoma State Board of Behavioral Health Licensure (BBHL) is an authoritative body that regulates and oversees the licensing of behavioral health professionals, ensuring adherence to ethical and professional standards within the state.

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

Regulations Unique to Oklahoma

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

CME Requirement for Inpatient Healthcare Services 

According to Oklahoma state law (Title 63, Oklahoma Stat. Ann, Section 3162), all inpatient healthcare facilities are required to supply providers and healthcare staff the Oklahoma Health Care Providers’ Responsibilities and Rights Under Certain Medical Treatment Laws brochure. After reviewing and acknowledging receipt of the brochure, providers are required to watch a presentation and complete a post-test on the State Board of Medical Licensure and Supervision website. This continuing medical education (CME) is required at least once annually and within 14 days of beginning employment.

Medical Marijuana Law

Under State Question 788, Oklahoma physicians can recommend medical marijuana to patients when appropriate. Unlike many states, Oklahoma does not have a specific list of qualifying conditions, giving physicians wide discretion in recommending medical marijuana for various health issues. The Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority (OMMA), under the State Department of Health, manages this program and follows the Federation of State Medical Boards’ (FSMB) Guidelines for the Recommendation of Marijuana in Patient Care. Providers can find more detailed information and the latest updates on medical marijuana regulations in Oklahoma on OMMA’s official website.

Tips To Manage Healthcare Compliance in Oklahoma

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

For credentialers and medical professionals in Oklahoma, the Uniform Credentialing Application plays a pivotal role in both initial and ongoing credentialing. Established by the Oklahoma State Department of Health under the Oklahoma State Board of Health’s regulations, the application is designed for both initial privileges and for recredentialing or reappointment. It is used by various healthcare settings like hospitals, managed care organizations, and others requiring credential verification. The uniform application helps to simplify the credentialing process, however additional supplemental information may be required depending on each facility’s policies.

Meet Oklahoma 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 Oklahoma. 

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