Question 1. Health executives have a code of ethics and policy statements which guide their behavior. Examine one of the policy statements provided by ACHE.org and comment on how this code may differ in nature than the health care provider codes. Be specific. Do you see any ethical issues emerging out of health care reform yet are not consider in the ACHE documents? Peers are expected to demonstrate critical thinking in their questions related to the classmates’ descriptions.

Question 2. Technology and scientific advancements open the door to a plethora of genetic tests for a variety of conditions. However, ethical standards have not necessarily been established to guide health organizations in offering genetic testing services, in contracting with certain providers of genetic test kits/lab process, and in explaining the results to the patient/consumer. Draw from the readings, outside research and the AHRQ specific list of tests to identify and discuss with your colleagues a specific important issue for health care organizations as they consider their role in genetic testing. Remember the discussions related to standards of care, patient confidentiality, and evidence-based care.

Question 3. The Stark Law intends to prevent and detect kickbacks in the delivery of health care. From the readings and independent research, find two specific real life examples of how kickback arrangements would violate the Stark Law and discuss with your colleagues how the kickback arrangements could violate trust between provider organizations and patients. Consider using the terms transparency, patient choice, and informed consent. Read the background articles but this discussion will take research beyond the above articles. Provide citation of authority to support your initial response to conference questions. Background sites to read

http://www.cms.gov/ [CMS]
http://www.justice.gov/civil/docs_forms/C-FRAUDS_FCA_Primer.pdf[breakdown of The False Claims Act]

The Stark Truth about the Stark law Part I, http://www.aafp.org/fpm/2003/1100/p27.html

Question 4. The False Claims Act is a federal law that addresses fraud. Defrauding the U.S. Government, specifically Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has consequences. From the readings and from the CMS website, discuss with your colleagues 1. two specific real life examples of a breach of the False Claims Act by a health-related organization, found on the internet or in the print media. Remember, organizations are made up of individuals. 2. In addition discuss whether health care organizations are properly equipped to ensure compliance and minimize exposure risks. If not why not?

Question 5. Discuss with your colleagues how a health care organizations can promote a culture of compliance and responsibility? Through your research, identify a specific organizational structure or program that could serve as a “best practice” for other health organizations. Describe the program in a paragraph. Is it a training program? A handbook? An immunization program? A patient care involvement program? A financial management practice? Penalties for fraud detection and reporting in the organization? Policy development? Procedure (SOP) creation? Benchmarks? External QA/QC consultants? Is this “best practice” specific to just this setting? No redundancy is allowed. Each program or practice must be unique.

Question 6. Provide two real life examples, found on the internet or in print media, of a conflict of interest that could arise for a Health care employee in a health care organization. Identify the source of the regulation or the ethical standard. Pick a state and would this conflict be reportable under specific state law? What organizational entity would mediate the COI. Peers are expected to demonstrate critical thinking in their questions related to the classmates’ descriptions. Provide citation of authority to support your initial response to conference questions.
All Answers must be in APA format, make you avoid plagiarism from the internet.