With Thanksgiving approaching, it’s easy for February to feel far away. But February 16, 2026 – the deadline to implement the updated 42 CFR Part 2 regulations governing certain substance use disorder records – is now less than three months out. On this week’s episode of The Healthcare Compliance Pod, we break down what non-Part 2 providers must do to be ready. If this deadline is on your radar (or needs to be), this episode is a great place to start.

Head over to www.TheHealthcareCompliancePod.com to check out related episodes (34 and 35) and implementation checklists for Part 2 providers and non-Part 2 providers.

Most physicians and providers understand the importance of Stark Law compliance – and how costly non-compliance can be. But did you know that even simple contracting mistakes can trigger violations?

🎙️On this week’s podcast, we break down three common errors providers make in physician agreements and share practical tips to help ensure Stark compliance.

Visit www.TheHealthcareCompliancePod.com for additional episodes and free resources.

Immigration enforcement has been making headlines, with an increased focus on workplace actions by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Earlier this year, restrictions that once limited enforcement in “sensitive” locations like hospitals were lifted – raising challenges for healthcare providers.

In this replay of Episode 48, immigration attorney Elizabeth Van Arkel joins healthcare attorney Susan Freed to unpack what these changes mean for the healthcare industry. Learn how to prepare for an ICE visit, protect patient privacy, and respond effectively if agents arrive at your facility.

Visit www.TheHealthcareCompliancePod.com for additional episodes and free resources.

In a special Halloween episode of The Healthcare Compliance Pod, attorney Susan Freed advises how to avoid hocus-pocus and security risks to prevent haunting compliance nightmares.

In this week’s episode of The Healthcare Compliance Pod, we explore a topic that doesn’t always get much attention but plays a critical role in protecting your organization: your record retention policy. While it may not sound exciting, a solid, well-implemented policy is an important compliance tool. It helps ensure you meet your legal obligations, can help defend against audits and litigation, and manage your resources responsibly.

Check out our podcast this week for tips on how you can ensure your record retention policy is helping your organization mitigate risk. Visit www.TheHealthcareCompliancePod.com for more episodes and free resources.

Routine audits are one of the most important parts of an effective healthcare compliance program. They help organizations confirm they’re following the rules, identify issues before they become significant problems, and strengthen the overall culture of compliance.

But a frequent question, especially in smaller organizations: what should I audit next?

If you’re a compliance professional and feel stuck or like you’ve already covered all your audit topics, this week’s episode of The Healthcare Compliance Pod shares three places to find new ideas for proactive audits.

If you’re new to compliance or just beginning your program, explore more resources and past episodes at www.TheHealthcareCompliancePod.com.

If your healthcare organization doesn’t yet have a formal compliance program and you’re not sure where to start, you’re not alone. But if you bill Medicare, Medicaid, or any government payer, regulators expect you to have one in place. More importantly, a strong compliance program protects your organization, promotes accountability, and sets you up for long-term success.

On this week’s episode of The Healthcare Compliance Pod breaks down practical, achievable steps to get your compliance program off the ground — from naming a compliance officer to conducting your first risk assessment.

If you’re new to compliance or just beginning your program, explore more resources and past episodes at www.TheHealthcareCompliancePod.com.

Offshoring protected health information (PHI) happens anytime a patient’s data is accessed, stored, or transmitted outside the United States or its territories. As more organizations rely on global resources, this practice is becoming increasingly common, making it critical for compliance officers to understand the risks and how to manage them.

🎙️On this week’s Healthcare Compliance Podcast, Susan Freed breaks down what you need to know and shares practical tips for addressing offshoring risks with PHI.

Visit TheHealthcareCompliancePod.com for free resources.

A few weeks ago, some listeners experienced technical issues with the audio on certain platforms. We’re bringing the episode back in full—because the topic is more timely than ever: imposter nurses.

🚨Unlicensed individuals are slipping into nursing roles - putting patients, compliance, and reputations at risk.

On The Healthcare Compliance Podcast, attorney Susan Freed breaks down:

• How this happens
• The risks organizations face when they go undetected
• What compliance and HR teams must do now to strengthen safeguards

Visit www.TheHealthcareCompliancePod.com for free resources.

Are you sure EKRA doesn’t apply to your healthcare organization? Think again.

The Eliminating Kickbacks in Recovery Act (EKRA) was designed to fight fraud in substance use disorder treatment, but its reach is much broader than many realize. Even providers outside the substance use space—especially those involved with laboratory services—can be affected.

Head over to www.TheHealthcareCompliancePod.com for a free sample policy.