Stay up to date on all things ‘human resources’

Employees. We can’t live without them but, boy, keeping staff happy is not an easy task, especially with the labor shortage. Finding and retaining quality employees has become more difficult than ever. Also, staying up to date on ever-changing state and federal employment regulations can sometimes feel like a full-time job. (Note: The rules are ever changing, so it’s essential to stay up to date on them and seek advice before making related decisions.)

Here are items to keep in mind when examining your current human resources (HR) protocols.

DOCUMENT

If it’s not in writing, it’s not enforceable. Review your current employee handbook to ensure all your office policies and procedures (including dress code, how to handle paid time off, benefits, etc.) are current. Many of us changed office policies due to COVID-19. Some changes may be here to stay. Are they a part of your employee handbook?

In my practice, for example, we mandated scrubs in March 2020. This eliminated much of the dress code requirements in my employee handbook.

A written policy on disciplinary action is also important. If an employee deviates from documented expectations, documentation is critical. Is your practice located in at-will state? (See www.bls.gov/opub/mlr/2001/01/art1full.pdf .)

COMPLY

There was a renewed effort after the pandemic to increase regular audit activity for fraud and abuse.^1,2,3 Become sure you’re compliant.

The Department of Health & Human Service’s Office for Civil Rights is the agency tasked with ensuring practices comply with HIPAA regulations.

Multiple different departments, including the Department of Justice and the Centers for Medicare Medicaid Services, monitor fraud & abuse.

HIRE AN EXPERT

If just reading this column is giving you heart palpitations, know that you’re not alone! For any business owner, it may be advisable to hire an HR company to assist. To find such companies, conduct a search online using the terms “Human Resources consulting” + “optometry compliance” and do your research.

EMPHASIZE OFFICE CULTURE

Beyond the legal requirements, developing a quality workplace has a lot to do with office culture and leadership. Hiring the right personalities and training for skill helps set offices up for success. Leading by example is critical. What are you going to do to get your HR house in order for 2023? OM

REFERENCES

1. The United States Department of Justice. Justice News. DOJ Announces Coordinated Law Enforcement Action to Combat Health Care Fraud Related to COVID-19. https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/doj-announces-coordinated-law-enforcement-action-combat-health-care-fraud-related-covid-19 . Accessed June 8, 2022.
2. The White House. Briefing Room. Fact Sheet: President Biden to Announce New Steps to Combat Criminal Fraud and Identity Theft in Pandemic Relief Programs. https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2022/03/01/fact-sheet-president-biden-to-announce-new-steps-to-combat-criminal-fraud-and-identity-theft-in-pandemic-relief-programs/ . Accessed June 8, 2022.
3. U.S. Department of Justice. Office of the Attorney General. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Office of the Secretary. Annual Report of the Departments of Health and Human Services and Justice. Health Care Fraud and Abuse Control Program FY 2020. https://oig.hhs.gov/publications/docs/hcfac/FY2020-hcfac.pdf . Accessed June 8, 2022.

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DR. O’BRIEN is the owner and optometrist at Denver Eye Care & Eyewear Gallery in Denver, N.C. She is heavily involved with student programming through the private practice clubs and Vision Source NEXT program and works with iCare Advisors as a consultant to help others pursue their cold-start private practice dreams.