LOS ANGELES COUNTY
DEPARTMENT OF MENTAL HEALTH
  Policy 106.12 Compliance Officer
 
Policy Category:  Administrative
Distribution Level:  Directly Operated Programs
Responsible Party:  Compliance, Privacy, and Audit Services
 
Approved by Marvin J. Southard, DSW, Director, on December 31, 2012
 
I.  PURPOSE
 
The purpose of this policy is to define the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health’s (DMH/Department) commitment to integrity by demonstrating its intent to comply with the 42 CFR § 438.608(b)(2) which requires a Compliance Officer (CO) be designated and accountable to senior management.
 
III.  POLICY
 
DMH will designate a position in its operation for a CO.

The DMH CO is responsible for the development, operation, and oversight of the following:
  1. The DMH compliance program will meet the requirements of 42 CFR § 438.608 through the efforts of the Compliance Program and Audit Services Bureau (CPAS). In addition, the CO will be responsible for:
     
    1. The DMH Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act’s (HIPAA) Privacy Unit will meet the requirements of the HIPAA Privacy Rule, Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health (HITECH) regulations, and other privacy requirements that may be enacted.
       
    2. The administration of financial auditing and contract monitoring reviews conducted by a Certified Public Accounting (CPA) firm and the Los Angeles County Auditor-Controller’s Contract Monitoring Division, respectively. Administration will include:
       
      • Ensuring that corrective action plans are developed and implemented as needed, and 
      • Collecting funds paid for disallowed units of service and other costs.
The CO will report directly to the DMH Chief Deputy Director.

The CO will work with County Counsel as needed.

The CO will meet with the Compliance Program Steering Committee (CPSC) on a quarterly basis to solicit their advice, strategies, and guidance.
 
IV.  PROCEDURES
 
Procedures - Compliance Officer
 
V.  AUTHORITY