The HHS Office of Inspector General (OIG) is soliciting public comments on a potential update to its 1999 Special Advisory Bulletin on the “Effect of Exclusion from Participation in Federal Health Care Programs.” In a recent notice, the OIG observes that “exclusion has a significant impact, not only on those who have been excluded but also on entities that have employed or contracted with excluded persons and been faced with liability for overpayments and civil monetary penalties as a result.” As the OIG has accelerated enforcement activities in this area, the OIG notes that many health care providers that have discovered they employ excluded individuals have self-disclosed to the OIG.  Health care providers also have also sought to design compliance programs that will minimize the risk of submitting claims for items or services furnished, ordered, or prescribed by an excluded individual. The OIG now is soliciting recommendations on how best to supplement the guidance provided in the Special Advisory Bulletin to address relevant issues and to provide useful guidance to the industry. In particular, the OIG seeks comments on areas in which clarification and further guidance on the effect of exclusion may be helpful. Comments will be accepted until January 11, 2011.