Sunshine Act Training

Sunshine Act Training Overview

The Physician Payments Sunshine Act & Open Payments Training is a comprehensive compliance course designed to help healthcare professionals, manufacturers, and compliance teams understand and meet federal transparency reporting requirements. This course explains why the Sunshine Act exists, who must report, what must be reported, and how Open Payments data becomes public.

Through clear explanations, real-world examples, and best-practice guidance, learners gain the knowledge needed to reduce compliance risk, protect professional reputation, and support ethical interactions in healthcare.

Who Should Take This Course?

This course is ideal for:

• Physicians and teaching hospital staff

• Advanced Practice Providers (NPs, PAs, CNSs, CNMs, CRNAs)

• Compliance and legal professionals

• Medical device, pharmaceutical, and biotech manufacturers

• Group Purchasing Organizations (GPOs)

• Healthcare administrators and finance teams

Learning Objectives

By the end of this course, learners will be able to:

• Explain why the Sunshine Act exists and why transparency matters

• Identify reporting entities and covered recipients

• Describe transfers of value and payment categories

• Understand how Open Payments data is collected and published

• Recognize provider responsibilities in the reporting process

• Apply best practices for Sunshine Act compliance

Course Structure & Content

Module 1: Introduction to the Sunshine Act & Open Payments

This module introduces the purpose and importance of the Sunshine Act, emphasizing transparency, patient trust, and ethical healthcare relationships.

Key Topics Include:

• What the Sunshine Act is and why it exists

• CMS and Open Payments enforcement responsibilities

• Who is reported on (covered recipients)

• Who must report (applicable manufacturers and GPOs)

• Understanding transfers of value

• Real-world examples such as meals, consulting fees, and research funding

• How and when Open Payments data becomes public

Module 2: Payment Categories, Non-Reportable Items, and Reporting Rules

This module explains what must be reported, what is excluded, and how reporting thresholds apply.

Key Topics Include:

• Reporting entities and covered products

• Payment categories:

  • General payments

  • Research payments

  • Ownership and investment interests

• Non-reportable items and exclusions

• Threshold rules for single and aggregate payments

• Required data elements and documentation

• Annual attestation and audit readiness

Module 3: Reporting Process and Timeline

This module walks learners through the entire Open Payments reporting lifecycle, from data collection to public publication.

Key Topics Include:

• Annual reporting cycle overview

• Data collection and internal tracking

• Pre-submission validation

• CMS data submission and attestation

• Provider review and dispute process

• Corrections, late updates, and data refreshes

• Internal controls and reporting roles

• Common provider pitfalls and how to avoid them

• Public visibility and reputational impact

Module 4: Compliance, Penalties, and Best Practices

This module focuses on risk management, enforcement, and long-term compliance success.

Key Topics Include:

• Civil monetary penalties for non-compliance

• Difference between unintentional and knowing violations

• CMS and OIG audit oversight

• Compliance framework essentials

• Training, technology, and governance strategies

• Industry best practices for transparent reporting

• Provider responsibilities and risk mitigation

• FAQs and real-world case examples

Why This Training Matters

Failure to comply with the Sunshine Act can lead to:

• Significant civil monetary penalties

• Public data inaccuracies and reputational harm

• Increased scrutiny from regulators, payers, and media

• Credentialing or licensing concerns

This course empowers learners to identify risks early, maintain accurate data, and confidently navigate Open Payments requirements.

Course Completion & Key Takeaways

Upon completing this course, learners will understand:

• The purpose and scope of the Sunshine Act

• Who reports and who is reported on

• What qualifies as a transfer of value

• Reporting categories, exclusions, and thresholds

• The annual reporting and dispute process

• Compliance risks, penalties, and best practices

• Provider responsibilities in maintaining accurate data

Enroll Now

Strengthen your compliance program, protect your reputation, and demonstrate your commitment to transparency in healthcare.
Enroll in the Physician Payments Sunshine Act & Open Payments Training today.