Question

Outline the mechanics of a regulatory inspection for a healthcare facility-who conducts the inspections, what are the penalties for non-compliance?

Answer 1

Regulatory inspection are an important and essential part of healthcare facility to evaluate the integrity of data submitted to health authorities,presence of infrastructure to conduct clinical research,measures implemented to protect patients interest, adequacy of site and the standards maintained to provide quality care.

The mechanics of a regulatory inspection for a healthcare facility are

Healthcare regulations are developed and implemented not only by all level of government (federal,state and local) but also by all private organizations.

Healthcare regulations and standards are necessary to ensure compliance and to provide safe health care to every individuals who access the system.

There are many healthcare regulatory bodies to ensure the standard in the care which are as follows:

• The Joint Commission on Accrediation of Health Care Organization(JCAHO)
• The National Commission on Quality Assurance(NCQA)
• The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
• The Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
• The Environmental Protection Agency(EPA)

Before the inspection process

• the healthcare members and other members should maintain proper standards,set protocoals,maintain proper records and reports etc.
• Submission of these records to the respective healthcare regulating authorities
• Provision of date for the inspection process

During inspection

• Inspector arrives
• Notify appropriate Dean/Director/Supervisor
• Notify appropriate Campus compliance representative
• Inspection of infrastructure,protocoals,staff recruitement process and staff development ,patient care records,admission and discharge records,staffing pattern,quality of care etc.

Inspections  are conducted by compliance officer or Occupational Safety and Health Administrator(OSHA)

• Penalities for noncompliance with health and work safety legislation in most instances is fine and for repeat offences may result in imprisonment.
• In terms of Authorities or Faculties who has participate in malpractice may result in suspension of thecandidate with penalty for the loss occured or in other instances loss of job permanently.
• In terms of poor infrastructure or quality of care withdrawal/ cancel of license from the regulatory agency