What is the primary focus of the IRO in an annual audit required by the OIG when a CIA is imposed?

The primary focus of the Independent Review Organization (IRO) in an annual audit required by the Office of Inspector General (OIG) when a Corporate Integrity Agreement (CIA) is imposed is to address specific issues identified by the OIG. This is essential because when a CIA is established, it typically stems from previous compliance issues, and the OIG will have particular concerns that need to be monitored. The IRO's role is to ensure that these specific areas are being scrutinized effectively and that the organization is making improvements in response to the identified deficiencies.

By concentrating on these specific concerns, the IRO provides a targeted approach to compliance verification, ensuring that the organization is adhering to the terms of the CIA and rectifying past issues. This approach helps protect patient safety, promotes ethical practices, and fosters integrity in healthcare operations by addressing the root causes of non-compliance that led to the imposition of the CIA in the first place. Thus, the focus aligns directly with the goals of the OIG to ensure organizations are compliant and making tangible improvements.