This month a second update was made on the List of Excluded Individuals/Entities (LEIE). The Office of Inspector General (OIG) of the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) confirmed this point. Note that while a subsequent update is unusual, the move has basis. Corrections had to be made upon the Master File in order to rectify mistakes that accumulated from previous months. It is also noteworthy to mention that this update does not include the Monthly Supplement file that is usually accompanied in the regular monthly updates.

More than usual

The OIG regularly updates its database around the tenth of every month. It usually sends out monthly emails after having done so and August 10 was no different. This made its additional update on August 22, 2018 appear strange. We also noticed the absence of a subsequent email notification which is usually accompanied with every monthly update, possibly because this was not part of its standard operating procedure.

Streamline Verify however was able to detect this irregular update. The company constantly screens government databases to keep abreast with the latest developments in the industry. It aims to work together with the OIG in order to help employers remain compliant with its policies. Healthcare organizations must correspondingly check new individuals appearing on the LEIE. This would avoid any potentially expensive fines, sanctions or penalties.

Updates on LEIE incorporated

Rest assured that our company has included this month’s exceptional updates so that you can get real time data. Make sure to immediately run a check and screen your employees against all databases in addition to your regular practice. The LEIE had 152 names added and 94 names deleted from it.  With the exception of two individuals those who were added have an exclusion date of September 20, 2018.