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Compliance Today - February 2026

 

Inside this issue

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Cover Story

Meet Janine S. Fadul: Building strategic compliance structure through relationships an interview by Adam Turteltaub

Featured Articles 

 

Columns 
Articles

Cover story

 

Meet Janine S. Fadul: Building strategic compliance structure through relationships an interview by Adam Turteltaub

AT: Thanks for taking the time to talk with us. I admit that I feel guilty. You’re already a columnist for the magazine, and now this. Actually, now that I’m thinking of it, let’s start by talking about your column and writing. There are a lot of people in compliance with a great deal of wisdom to share. Many are hesitant to write because they dread the prospect or fear of saying something that could be problematic in one way or another. What would you tell them? What do you think they need to know about writing for the compliance community?

JF: I agree, Adam. Many individuals are hesitant. Often, I think another factor is that people may be intimidated. We have so many talented and knowledgeable people in the HCCA community. Read more

 

Featured articles: 

 

[CEU] Turning insight into impact:Leveraging data in E&C programs by Kierston Hill and Savannah Knuettel

Data is one of the most powerful tools available to ethics and compliance (E&C) professionals, especially when it comes to meeting the U.S. Department of Justice’s (DOJ) expectations for effective compliance programs. DOJ emphasizes that organizations should actively use data to monitor program performance, identify emerging risks, and respond proactively to potential misconduct. By applying robust data analytics, .Read more

Getting ahead: Establishing a preapproval contract review workflow to proactively address COI in consulting by Rei Thompson and Matthew Mignella

Mitigating undue influence in clinical care, teaching, and research is essential for healthcare organizations, especially academic medical centers (AMCs). While clinical providers often engage with external industry entities in the consulting space to advance scientific and educational discourse and innovation, such engagements can create compliance challenges. Read more

CEU] Best practices for conducting witness interviews in internal investigations by Michael A. Morse

Internal investigations are critical to protecting organizations from legal, regulatory, and reputational risk. They help determine whether a violation of law, regulation, or policy has occurred, and they inform decisions about remediation, discipline, and control enhancements. Among the various tools available to investigative teams, witness interviews are often the most impactful in establishing the facts. Read more

 

Columns

 

2026 compliance risk assessment by Catherine Boerner 

As you prepare to schedule your 2026 compliance risk assessment, here are several important considerations that can help you strategically prioritize and organize your work for the upcoming year. First, consider which risk areas your internal auditors, as applicable, may already be scheduling for 2026 as part of their internal audit process. This may have already been presented to the audit committee. Read more


Healthcare boards require annual compliance education by Betsy Wade

Your healthcare organization’s stakeholders aren’t the only individuals who need annual compliance training; your board members do, too. Annual compliance education for board members should focus on their corporate governance and fiduciary obligations, including the duties of care, loyalty, and obedience.The duty of care explains how board members should proactively participate in meetings. Read more

Why the AI model behind the tool matters by Nakis Urfi

As AI becomes embedded in nearly every compliance workflow, from hotline triage and policy analysis to screenings and program effectiveness reviews, the central question is no longer whether to use AI; it’s how to use AI responsibly: selecting the right model, ensuring data integrity, and applying governance and risk controls to make sure the technology is fit for purpose. Read more

It’s a new year, time to take a fresh look at your organization’s privacy program by Marti Arvin

The HIPAA Privacy Rule will soon celebrate the 23rd anniversary of its original compliance date: April 14, 2003. Since the original rule was promulgated, there have been several changes. Even without changes, it is good practice to do a routine review of your organization’s policies and procedures and evaluate the practices team members are engaging in to make sure practice matches policy. Read more

The fast pitch by Janine S. Fadul

How we craft and tailor our messages when communicating compliance objectives is critical to building effective relationships and trust. When I was younger, a good friend of mine shared an important analogy with me. I have found it has adapted with me over the years and is particularly helpful in the field of compliance. Read more

 

Articles

 

[CEU] Creating a regulatory-ready mindset: From scrambling to systems by David Staley

I dread questions beginning with, “Did you remember . . .?” Because chances are I didn’t! My youngest daughter has rowed competitively since she was a freshman in high school. Before she could drive herself, I was the designated chauffeur to and from rowing practice. One morning, while juggling work commitments and prioritizing the day’s list of logistics, she asked if I’d put her rowing bag in the car before she left for school. Read more


Conducting the annual healthcare compliance risk assessment: A practical guide by Lisa Betterson, Brooke Buth, and Kegan Mandadzhiev

Compliance professionals know that an annual risk assessment process is necessary. This can be achieved by building a practical, collaborative, and action oriented approach that strengthens oversight and aligns organizational priorities. Find out how thoughtful preparation, cross functional engagement, and continuous refinement can elevate compliance effectiveness throughout the year. Read more


Larkin v. Caremark RX, L.L.C.: A case study in ERISA compliance by David Ostrowsky

Larkin v. Caremark RX, L.L.C. exposed a high stakes conflict between pharmacy benefit managers’ cost cutting practices and their fiduciary duties. When CVS Caremark favored Wegovy over Zepbound, it sparked Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) claims that could reshape GLP 1 coverage. Discover how this case reveals why every plan sponsor and compliance leader should be watching closely. Read more 


HR compliance issues by Michael Molesky and Tom Ealey

HR compliance isn’t optional; it’s a high stakes obligation that can make or break a healthcare organization. Wage and hour issues, licensing lapses, and shifting
civil rights rules are common compliance pitfalls in healthcare. Learn how strong policies, vigilant monitoring, and proactive training can protect employers from costly penalties and operational disruption and keep your organization on the right side of HR regulations. Read more