2025 Medical Review Officer Online Course with Live Discussion (Includes Digital Syllabus)-Tab 14: Business Aspects of MRO Practice

Tab 14: Business Aspects of MRO Practice

Pdf Summary

This presentation, dated September 18, 2024, addresses the business and legal aspects of Medical Review Officer (MRO) practice. The agenda covers various topics including types of MRO practices, establishing a practice, legal liabilities, marketing services, contractual agreements, and ethical standards.<br /><br />Types of MRO practice vary from employer in-house services, occupational health clinics, small independent MROs, to large specialty organizations like SAMI and First Advantage. Establishing an MRO practice involves defining the range of services such as specimen collection (urine, breath, hair, oral fluids), clinical evaluations, MRO functions, Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) services, and Third Party Administrator (TPA) roles. Staff training and credentialing are critical, with specific protocols for collectors, breath alcohol technicians, MROs, and administrative staff. Training includes initial certification and regular refreshers; MRO certification is often state-licensed and includes examination and recertification every five years.<br /><br />Recordkeeping underlies quality assurance, documenting client policies, case outcomes, and problem cases, with adherence to confidentiality standards influenced by HIPAA. Notably, HHS and DOT regulations allow MROs to verify and discuss drug test results without employee consent, although some treating offices require HIPAA waivers.<br /><br />Software systems support tracking and compliance, with vendors like DrugPak and RandomWare offering specialized solutions. Pricing models range from individual service fees to bundled packages, with typical MRO service costs varying by case complexity, volume, and testing type.<br /><br />Legal liabilities are a key consideration; MROs act as service agents to employers, complying with federal and state laws including HHS, DOT, and ADA regulations. Liability insurance should cover medical malpractice and errors and omissions. Marketing strategies highlight building relationships with local industries and governmental agencies, delivering training, and responding to Requests for Proposals (RFPs).<br /><br />Contractual agreements and ethical conduct guided by MROCC codes emphasize integrity, confidentiality, competence, and scientific accuracy. Final considerations include cross-coverage arrangements, expert testimony, and practice sales. Additional resources are recommended for legal risk management and self-assessment.<br /><br />Educational quiz questions reinforce knowledge of MRO assistant standards by DHHS/DOT, HIPAA consent requirements, and testing costs.

Keywords

Medical Review Officer

MRO practice

legal liabilities

staff training and credentialing

HIPAA confidentiality

drug test regulations

MRO software systems

pricing models

contractual agreements

ethical standards