Can I work in Medicare facility until I get my nursing license back? OIG exclusion.

[Nurse Beth, MSN]

OIG Exclusion and Nursing License

An OIG exclusion explicitly prevents individuals from participating in federal healthcare programs (like Medicare and Medicaid). It restricts you from billing these programs or providing services reimbursed by them.

If you work in a healthcare setting that receives Medicare/Medicaid funding (such as a hospital, nursing home, or home health agency), the exclusion prevents you from being employed in a direct care role, including any nursing positions involving billing for services covered by these programs.

Impact on Employment

• Direct patient care. You cannot work in a role that involves direct patient care, billing for services, or anything related to Medicare/Medicaid. For example, you couldn't work as an RN in a hospital that accepts Medicare/Medicaid payments.
• Non-clinical roles. You might still be able to work in non-clinical roles (such as administration, dietary, or housekeeping) in a healthcare facility that accepts Medicare/Medicaid, as long as those roles don't involve patient care or billing.

If you're uncertain about your situation or how an OIG exclusion affects your ability to work in a healthcare setting, it's worth consulting with an attorney who specializes in healthcare law in your state.

Best wishes,

Nurse Beth