Medical Auditing Practice Exam

To whom does an Independent Review Organization report audit results under the Office of the Inspector General CIA?

1. The board of directors

2. The compliance officer in the organization

3. The legal department

4. The medical staff committee

The correct answer is: The compliance officer in the organization

An Independent Review Organization (IRO) is mandated to report audit results directly to the compliance officer within an organization as outlined under the Office of the Inspector General's Corporate Integrity Agreement (CIA). The role of the compliance officer is critical, as they are responsible for overseeing compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, ensuring that the organization adheres to the terms of the CIA. Reporting to the compliance officer allows for the appropriate management of any discrepancies or issues that may arise from the audit findings. This ensures that there is a clear communication channel for potential violations or compliance concerns to be addressed effectively and in a timely manner. The compliance officer acts as a liaison between the organization and external bodies, facilitating transparency and accountability. In contrast, other entities like the board of directors, legal department, or medical staff committee may have different roles within the organization but are not the designated recipients of IRO audit results. The board might oversee overall governance, the legal department could handle legal ramifications, and the medical staff committee may focus on clinical aspects, but none are specifically responsible for compliance related to the CIA in the same manner as the compliance officer.