In which year did the OIG publish hospital compliance guidance?

The year 1998 is significant because it marks when the Office of Inspector General (OIG) released the compliance program guidance specifically for hospitals. This guidance was part of a broader initiative to promote ethical and compliant behavior within healthcare organizations by outlining best practices, fostering a culture of compliance, and helping hospitals mitigate risk related to fraud and abuse.

The OIG's compliance guidance serves as a foundation for hospitals in establishing their compliance programs, aligning their policies with federal regulations, and ensuring that they operate within the legal frameworks designed to prevent fraudulent practices. This guidance laid the groundwork for many subsequent compliance initiatives and reinforced the importance of having robust compliance systems in place to safeguard against legal and financial risks in the healthcare sector.