On December 12, 2017, the House Energy and Commerce Oversight and Investigations Committee held a hearing regarding patient brokering and addiction treatment fraud facilities from referring patients to sober homes that are not certified through the state.
Florida Patient Brokering Law
The National Association of Addiction Treatment Providers (NAATP), of which AZZLY® is a member, has focused extensive attention on this issue. We support the State of Florida’s law passed in June 2017, that allows the Office of Statewide Prosecutor to pursue patient-brokering cases, and adds patient brokering to a list of crimes punishable under the state’s Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organization Act (RICO). Since addiction treatment programs are licensed on a state by state basis, more states need to follow Florida’s lead. A Florida-based non-for-profit group, Florida Association of Recovery Residences (FARR) offers certifications to sober homes. It is not mandatory, but it’s a start. The new law bars licensed facilities from referring patients to sober homes that are not certified by the state.
How can an addiction treatment software make a difference?
The need for quality treatment centers is great. We all know that addiction in all forms is not going away. As an owner/ operator, it is easier to gain a new patient or get referrals if you deliver on what you promise.
As a software vendor serving Treatment Centers and Behavioral Health Facilities, it is obvious when we train a facility’s staff on the AZZLY system, whether a treatment center staff follows best practices. Joint Commission or CARF accredited or not, their staff must follow established policies and procedures…24/7, 365. If the staff does not document, then the service or event did not happen. If a chronological listing of all services provided is available in one view, a supervisor can easily complete an audit of best practices. Standardized forms and templates with Joint Commission, CARF and State standards incorporated, eliminates the guesswork of “Did my staff do what they are required to do?” As the owner/operator “Did I deliver what I promised on my website?”
Having compliance tools and auditing capability in the software solution selected simplifies this process. As an owner/operator, you can keep your doors open and get paid using the right technology. Stop patient brokering at your facility because you deliver better outcomes. You can prove it using AZZLY. Contact us today and we will show you how.
