OIG Exclusion & Healthcare Sanctions Checks
A healthcare sanctions check confirms a candidate isn’t barred from Medicare, Medicaid or other federal programs. Fast Track checks the OIG exclusion list and SAM in every package.
Which lists we check
| List | Maintained by | What it shows | Included in |
|---|---|---|---|
| LEIE (List of Excluded Individuals/Entities) | HHS Office of Inspector General | People and businesses excluded from federal healthcare programs | Every package |
| SAM.gov exclusions | U.S. General Services Administration | People and businesses barred from federal contracts and programs | Every package |
| State Medicaid exclusion lists | Each state’s Medicaid agency | People excluded from that state’s Medicaid program | Add-on / package |
Why people get excluded
The OIG must exclude people convicted of certain crimes, such as Medicare or Medicaid fraud, patient abuse or neglect, and some felony drug offenses. It can also exclude people for reasons such as losing a professional license, defaulting on student loans for health education, or submitting false claims. An exclusion can last for years, and some are permanent until the person applies to be reinstated.
Why it matters
Healthcare providers that bill federal programs can face civil monetary penalties and repayment demands for services provided by an excluded person. That applies to any role whose work is billed to a federal program, directly or indirectly, including nurses, aides, pharmacy staff, billing staff and contractors. The OIG updates its list monthly, and many state Medicaid programs require providers to screen staff every month, not just at hire.
How a sanctions check works
- The candidate authorizes the check online as part of any Fast Track package.
- We search each exclusion list by name and other identifiers.
- Possible matches are confirmed with details such as date of birth, so a common name doesn’t cause a false alarm.
- You get a clear result for each list: no match, or a confirmed exclusion with its date and reason.
Screening at hire isn’t enough
Someone can be excluded after you hire them. Federal guidance recommends checking current staff and contractors regularly, and many state Medicaid programs require it monthly.
What to do if there’s a match
- Confirm it’s the same person before acting. Exclusion lists include common names.
- Remove the person from any work billed to federal programs right away.
- Talk to your compliance officer or counsel about whether you need to report it or repay any claims.
Who uses healthcare sanctions checks?
Hospitals and clinics, nursing homes and assisted living, home health and home care agencies, pharmacies, and staffing firms that place healthcare workers.
Often ordered with
- Criminal Background Checks for patient-facing roles
- Education Verification for clinical degrees
- Drug Testing for staff with access to medications
Frequently asked questions
What is an OIG exclusion check?
A search of the HHS Office of Inspector General’s list of people and businesses barred from Medicare, Medicaid and other federal healthcare programs.
Is an OIG check included in Fast Track packages?
Yes. OIG and SAM are part of the Global Watchlist Search in every package.
How often should healthcare employers screen?
At hire, then monthly, because the OIG list updates monthly and many states require monthly screening for Medicaid providers.
Do non-clinical staff need to be screened?
Yes. Exclusions apply to anyone whose work is paid for by a federal healthcare program, including billing, administrative and contract staff.
How fast are sanctions check results?
Same day
Do you also verify professional licenses?
Yes.
