Managing Healthcare Compliance in Mississippi

Managing healthcare compliance in Mississippi effectively means adapting to the state’s specific regulations, and having the right systems in place to stay on track. It’s crucial for professionals and organizations to stay informed about the ever-changing healthcare laws and standards to avoid the costs of non-compliance — lost revenue and reputational damage.

To successfully oversee healthcare compliance in Mississippi, organizations need to develop efficient methods for tracking regulatory updates. For those involved in healthcare provision and compliance management, this article details useful tips and resources for some of the most crucial compliance concepts in Mississippi.

Mississippi Healthcare Compliance Resources

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

• The Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) is dedicated to protecting and improving the health of its residents through various public health services, health education programs, and regulatory initiatives.
• The Mississippi Hospital Association (MHA) advocates for and supports hospitals and healthcare providers across Mississippi, aiming to improve healthcare quality and access for all state residents.
• The Mississippi Division of Medicaid administers health coverage programs to eligible residents, providing vital healthcare services to underserved and vulnerable populations in the state.
• The Mississippi State Board of Medical Licensure (MSBMI) is responsible for regulating and licensing medical professionals in Mississippi, ensuring high standards of practice and safeguarding public health.
• The Mississippi State Board of Examiners for Licensed Professional Counselors is responsible for the licensure, regulation, and ethical oversight of professional counselors and marriage and family therapists in Mississippi.

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

Regulations Unique to Mississippi

To meet the standards of healthcare compliance in Mississippi, there are a few additional regulations. For example, to improve healthcare accessibility, the state has developed a comprehensive telemedicine policy for providers to follow. 

Telemedicine Policy

Healthcare providers In Mississippi should be aware of their state’s telemedicine policies. According to Mississippi law, any organization or provider offering telehealth services must first submit an application to register with the state’s Department of Health, Office of Licensure. Telemedicine, as the state defines it, must be held in “real-time” with interactive audio and video. It excludes audio-only telephone, email, and fax communications. Health insurance plans must cover telemedicine services to the same extent that services would be covered if they were provided in-person. MIssissippi does allow for remote patient monitoring under certain conditions outlined in the policy. For reimbursement through Mississippi Medicaid, telemedicine billing codes have been simplified, reducing administrative burden and streamlining the claims process. All-in-all, Mississippi’s telemedicine policies have expanded access to healthcare, particularly for rural regions of the state.

Certificate of Need Required

For compliance professionals and healthcare executives in Mississippi, understanding the Certificate of Need (CON) process is essential. This regulatory framework guides the development and expansion of health facilities in the state. It evaluates the necessity for services, their location, and scale, ensuring that new facilities align with state healthcare objectives. The CON process aims to enhance service accessibility and quality while controlling unnecessary expenditure in the healthcare system. Healthcare organizations that adhere to the regulation ensure their compliance with state-specific healthcare planning strategies and avoid costly fines.

Tips To Manage Healthcare Compliance in Mississippi

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

In Mississippi, the medical credentialing process includes unique verification methods offered by the State Board of Medical Licensure that credentialers find particularly helpful. While the “Locate a Licensee” service provides basic, non-detailed verification for free, more official credentialing needs are met through the “Professional Verification” function. There’s also a service for certifying Mississippi licenses to other state boards and an “Electronic Database Download” for a comprehensive licensee list. For one-time verifications, used primarily by hospitals, there’s a $25 fee. Additionally, a fee-based online profiling system with annual access for $500 offers up-to-date, detailed information, essential for credentialing teams.

Meet MississippiCompliance 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 Mississippi. 

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