The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has bolstered its efforts to prevent and detect fraud with its publication of the final rule addressing program integrity changes mandated by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA), as amended by the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010 (collectively known as the ‘‘Affordable Care Act,’’ or the ‘‘ACA’’).

Among other things, the final rule enhances background screening procedures for providers and suppliers participating or enrolling in the Medicare and Medicaid programs as well as the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP).