What was the focus of the first compliance program guidance issued by the OIG in February 1998?

The first compliance program guidance issued by the Office of Inspector General (OIG) in February 1998 focused specifically on hospitals. This guidance was part of an initiative to promote compliance with the Medicare program and to encourage healthcare organizations to establish effective compliance programs. The OIG recognized that hospitals faced unique compliance risks, particularly in relation to billing practices and the delivery of services. The guidance provided hospitals with a framework for developing compliance programs that would help prevent fraud and abuse in healthcare billing and improve overall operations.

This focus on hospitals was instrumental in shaping the way compliance programs were developed across various healthcare settings in subsequent years. By addressing the complexities and risks specific to hospitals, the OIG aimed to foster a culture of compliance that would ultimately benefit both patients and providers.