Med-Net CO-Q Program
Why was the CO-Q Program Designed?
Compliance and Ethics programs have been mandatory for all skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) since the passage of the Affordable Care Act of 2010, with oversight and enforcement provided by the Office of Inspector General (OIG). Compliance and ethics programs, including the requirement for a compliance officer, became a SNF Condition of Participation in March of 2013.
The CO-Q curriculum consists of a comprehensive review of the OIG’s Seven Elements of an Effective Compliance Program that are needed to establish and maintain an effective compliance and ethics program.
The CO-Q certificate is awarded through a comprehensive examination covering seven element compliance domains:
- Element 1: Standards, Policies, and Procedures
- Element 2: Compliance Program Administration
- Element 3: Screening and Evaluation of Employees, Physicians,Vendors, and Other Agents
- Element 4: Communication, Education, and Training on Compliance Issues
- Element 5: Monitoring, Auditing, and Internal Reporting Systems
- Element 6: Counseling and Discipline for Noncompliance
- Element 7: Investigations and Remedial Measures
Who Should Consider the Professional Compliance Officer Qualification Certificate?
This professional qualification program establishes core standards and requirements for compliance management oversight in long-term care settings. Successful completion of the comprehensive examination results in a Certificate of Achievement issued by Med-Net Academy, LLC.
For professionals, the CO-Q certificate provides those working in compliance and ethics management a means to demonstrate their proficiency and skill in the discipline.
Organizations that require the CO-Q certificate as a condition for the compliance and ethics officer role, are provided a means to validate compliance and ethics management knowledge, skill, and competency when asked about the qualifications of their compliance and ethics officer and compliance staff.
CO-Q Designation Certificate Requirements
Candidates for the CO-Q certificate program are those who include compliance practices as an integral component of current or future professional responsibilities, such as:
- Non-Clinical Healthcare Professionals with the requisite background
- Compliance and Ethics Officers
- Quality and Risk Management Professionals
- Healthcare Executives
- Healthcare Professionals with the requisite background
Candidates must possess academic and professional experience to include one of the following levels:
- Baccalaureate degree with at least one (1) year of compliance experience in a healthcare setting; or
- Related education with a minimum of three (3) years of compliance experience in a healthcare setting.
Completing the Program
After eligibility approval by the Med-Net Credentialing Committee, candidates may:
- Complete all seven modules and pass each post-test and the final examination.
- Choose the Exam Only option.
The CO-Q certificate is awarded upon the successful completion of the course requirements.
Med-Net’s CO-Q Certificate Program course materials have been reviewed and approved by the National Association of Long-Term Care Administrator Board’s (NAB) National Continuing Education Review Service (NCERS) for continuing education credit for nursing home administrators.
Details of the Program
For more information on the CO-Q Certificate Program, please see the CO-Q Certificate Program Candidate Handbook.
For more information on the CO-Q Certificate Program, please see the Candidate Handbook or email [email protected].