American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) Certification Practice Exam

Which of the following is NOT a basic element of a corporate compliance program?

1. Designation of a Chief Compliance Officer

2. Regular employee education programs

3. Medical staff appointee for documentation

4. Use of audits to monitor compliance

The correct answer is: Medical staff appointee for documentation

The correct answer is identified as the aspect that does not belong to the fundamental components of a corporate compliance program. A corporate compliance program is primarily focused on ensuring that an organization adheres to legal standards and internal policies. A Chief Compliance Officer is essential as this role oversees the compliance program and its implementation within the organization. Regular employee education programs are vital for raising awareness about compliance regulations, policies, and ethical standards, thus promoting a culture of compliance among staff. Use of audits to monitor compliance provides an effective means to evaluate adherence to regulations and identify areas for improvement. In contrast, while having a medical staff appointee for documentation may be important in ensuring accurate medical records, it does not specifically contribute to the core framework of a corporate compliance program. Instead, it relates more to clinical operations than to the overall compliance structure aimed at managing risk and ensuring that the organization meets its legal and ethical obligations.