It’s no exaggeration to say that the health sector is one of the most sensitive and regulated in the market, as it directly impacts people’s lives. There is a need for high standards of ethics, transparency and responsibility, which are demanded by public authorities, regulatory agencies and consumers themselves. Compliance therefore plays a fundamental role in ensuring that organizations comply with current rules and regulations, as well as promoting a culture of integrity in all health-related activities .

It should be noted that the concept is broad and covers at least five areas. Environmental compliance is becoming a worldwide trend, based on the realization that we are all responsible for preserving the environment. Companies and consumers are increasingly aware of the impact of their actions on the planet. The correct disposal of waste generated in the healthcare ecosystem, for example, is a measure that more companies and service providers are adopting.

Occupational health and safety rules are also included in the compliance policy, given the understanding that providing a healthy, safe and productive working environment is not just a legal rule, but a business strategy. Anti-corruption action is part of the compliance policy, with actions to prevent and discourage any misconduct among all stakeholders. The social responsibility of organizations towards the community in which they operate and the control of product and service quality – which must be sustainable – complete the range of aspects included in compliance.

An important milestone for the health sector was Normative Resolution 518 of the National Supplementary Health Agency (ANS), of April 29th, 2012, which established minimum corporate governance practices, with an emphasis on internal controls and risk management for health operators. Since then, corporate governance has become a requirement of the ANS for all operators, laying the foundations for them to be more constant and permanent, and to forge ever stronger links with their partners, users and consumers.

Compliance in healthcare is also essential when it comes to purchasing supplies, supplier relations, stock control and hospital pharmacy. For example, when purchasing materials, corporate governance evaluates the criteria used and compares them with market standards.

In private institutions, health plans receive numerous requests, from simple exams to more complex procedures. Again, it is compliance that checks the models applied and whether they meet the determined standards.

Therefore, in the healthcare sector, compliance is crucial to ensuring quality of care, fraud prevention, protection of patient information and compliance with the rules laid down by regulatory agencies.