2024 Report Reveals Healthcare Compliance Trends
By SAI360
Healthcare entities face escalating demands in privacy, security, and regulatory compliance.
But what does ensuring resilience and strict adherence look like in practical terms?
A recently released 2024 Healthcare Compliance Benchmark Report—developed in collaboration between SAI360 and Strategic Management Services and led by Richard P. Kusserow, former DHHS Inspector General—reveals Compliance Officers are increasingly taking on broader responsibilities without corresponding increases in resources.
Researchers note a trend toward outsourcing essential services such as hotline support, sanction screening, and e-learning to manage core compliance activities effectively.
Amidst these operational shifts, the report also underscores the critical challenges, upcoming trends, and the strategic adjustments healthcare organizations must consider to ensure their compliance practices maintain their competitive edge and remain robust and strong.
8 key insights from the 2024 Healthcare Compliance Benchmark Report
Remote and flexible work arrangements remain a business priority
Most compliance staff work—75 percent—are either partially or fully remote, showcasing the adaptability required in modern healthcare compliance environments.
The compliance workforce is highly experienced
Two-thirds of professionals have over ten years of experience, illustrating a workforce capable of handling complex regulatory challenges.
Staffing sees both stability and strategic adjustments
Most organizations say they plan to maintain their current compliance staffing levels while foreseeing strategic enhancements, particularly in high-risk areas like privacy and security.
Compliance Officers’ influence remains critical
Only 40 percent of Compliance Officers hold C-suite level positions, potentially limiting their influence, though about half report directly to the CEO, ensuring significant strategic alignment.
Independent assessments enhance strategic participation
A quarter of boards undertake independent compliance assessments. And 38 percent of Compliance Officers contribute to executive business strategy, embedding compliance considerations deeply within organizational strategies.
Pressures on Compliance Officers are growing
Nearly half of the respondents indicated that expectations and pressures on Compliance Officers are increasing, highlighting the expanding scope and critical nature of these roles.
Navigating primary concerns and regulatory changes remains critical
Adapting to new federal and state laws and regulations is the primary compliance concern for 2024, necessitating agile compliance strategies to manage this dynamic regulatory landscape effectively.
OCR is the most frequently encountered regulatory agency
The Office for Civil Rights (OCR) is the most frequently encountered agency, underscoring an ongoing necessity for stringent HIPAA compliance amid various state and federal regulatory challenges.
Final thoughts
Compliance Officers are facing increased responsibilities without a corresponding rise in resources. Healthcare organizations must adapt strategically today to manage growing regulatory complexities effectively tomorrow.
Without adequate resources and strategic adjustments, healthcare entities may struggle to maintain compliance integrity. This situation could potentially affect patient care standards and operational efficiencies.
Therefore, there is a critical need for healthcare systems to reassess and strengthen their compliance frameworks to navigate the evolving regulatory landscape successfully.
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