Reducing the Opportunity for Employee Theft
By: John Lode, DPM, JD, Director of Research, Healthworks

Reducing the Opportunity for Employee Theft By John Lode, DPM, JD, Director of Research, Healthworks "If you mother says she loves you, check it out." Every journalist knows that axiom. Any employee, even dedicated, long-time, trusted workers can commit fraud against your health center or co-workers, given motive and opportunity. Examples of this fraudulent behavior are: " Stealing money from petty cash, patients or visitors " Stealing money from other employees wallets or purses " Embezzlement of company funds " Stealing office supplies " Diversion of drugs or supplies " Burglary or other crimes You may not be able control an employee's personal, or financial pressures, but you can and must strive to limit the opportunity to commit these acts. Workers with personal or family debts, gambling or other addictive disorders may "borrow" just a few dollars, perhaps with the intention of returning the money. However, once they recognize they get away with this fraud undetected, a vicious cycle can ensue. A significant amount of money can be taken which can have serious financial and emotional consequences for your health center and other employees. There are some steps an employer can take to minimize an employee's opportunity to commit these criminal acts: " Key control " Inventory control " Limit access to building areas by patients, visitors and employees " Control of access to building and alarm codes " Consider not maintaining controlled substances or drugs of interest on the premises. Otherwise, closely follow laws and regulations regarding these items " Make regular and at least daily bank deposits. Don't let money accumulate " Employees who handle cash must be responsible for their own "cash drawer For more information on this topic, contact Jeannine Hinton at Healthworks, LLC This article reprinted with permission of Healthworks, LLC
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