What is a Corporate Integrity Agreement?

A Corporate Integrity Agreement (CIA) is a formal agreement between the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) of the Department of Health and Human Services and a healthcare provider. This agreement typically arises as part of a settlement to address alleged civil wrongdoing, particularly relating to violations of federal healthcare laws, which may include issues like fraud or abuse in the delivery of services or billing practices.

The purpose of the CIA is to promote transparency and accountability while ensuring compliance with applicable laws in the future. It often includes provisions for monitoring the organization's operations, implementing compliance plans, and maintaining ongoing reporting and assessment of the organization's performance in relation to federal healthcare programs. This framework helps to ensure that the provider adheres to ethical practices and avoids further legal infractions, thereby protecting both the provider and the integrity of federal healthcare programs.

Other options do not define a Corporate Integrity Agreement accurately; they refer to different concepts related to corporate governance, compliance certifications, or market competition but do not encompass the specific legal and compliance context that a Corporate Integrity Agreement represents.