Published: 14 December 2018

MedCo have today written to notify MROs that MedCo has today published an updated MRO Qualifying Criteria Audit Guide (‘Audit Guide’).

During 2018, complaints made to MedCo and findings from a minority of MRO audits have given the MedCo Audit Committee and Board cause for concern. Actions noted by some MROs, including attempts to disguise shell organisations, have resulted in a need for MedCo
to undertake audits without prior notice. These type of audit are referred to as ‘No Notice Audits’ (NNA).

NNAs will only be initiated at the request of the MedCo Audit Committee, based upon one or more known or suspected material breaches of the User Agreement.

User Agreements have been amended to make provision for this and this was communicated to MROs on 4 December 2018.

Furthermore, the Audit Committee and Board have identified a need to occasionally undertake more detailed, Forensic audits, e.g. where there are concerns as to the veracity of statements / assertions made to MedCo and reservations as to the authenticity of evidence provided to MedCo by the MRO, including during the audit process.  Detail regarding NNAs and Forensic audits can be found in the updated Audit Guide at sections 2.6 and 2.7 respectively. A copy of the updated document can be found here.

The Audit Guide will become effective in line with new User Agreements from 28 January 2019.

If you require further information please contact enquiries@medco.org.uk