OIG created a portal for all information and announcements related to COVID-19. The portal can be accessed from OIG’s main website or directly at oig.hhs.gov/coronavirus. OIG asks for feedback from individuals or entities who need clarification on its oversight authorities during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. As always, you can use the links provided to go directly to the new material. Feedback Submit a question regarding OIG’s authorities as applied to an arrangement connected to the COVID-19 public health emergency. The Office of Inspector General (OIG) recognizes that in the current public health emergency, the healthcare industry must be focused on delivering needed patient care. As part of OIG’s mission to promote economy, efficiency, and effectiveness in HHS programs, we are committed to protecting patients by ensuring that healthcare providers have the regulatory flexibility necessary to adequately respond to COVID-19 concerns. Therefore, OIG solicits input from the healthcare community regarding the application of OIG’s administrative enforcement authorities, including the Federal anti-kickback statute and civil monetary penalty provision prohibiting inducements to beneficiaries. If you have a question regarding how OIG would view an arrangement that is directly connected to the public health emergency and implicates these authorities, please submit your question to OIGComplianceSuggestions@oig.hhs.gov. In your submission, please provide sufficient facts to allow for an understanding of the key parties and terms of the arrangement at issue. OIG plans to review all submissions, develop responses as appropriate to “frequently asked questions,” and make such responses publicly available on its website. Your submission of a question does not obligate OIG to take action, including responding to the question, making the question public, or issuing public feedback. We will update the FAQ document as we respond to additional frequently asked questions.
