Guide
What Is LEIE Reinstatement?
By Keelstar Team · Updated July 11, 2026
The short answer
LEIE reinstatement is the process by which an excluded individual or entity applies to the OIG for removal from the List of Excluded Individuals and Entities after the mandatory exclusion period ends. Reinstatement is not automatic — the excluded party must submit a written request to OIG and receive approval before participating again in federal healthcare programs. Until OIG grants reinstatement and removes the party from the LEIE, your organization cannot employ, contract with, or pay them for services connected to Medicare or Medicaid. If a formerly excluded vendor claims reinstatement, verify by searching the current LEIE — absence from the list after OIG confirmation is the authoritative evidence. Document the LEIE search date and result before resuming any relationship. Do not rely on vendor self-attestation alone.
What reinstatement means
Reinstatement restores eligibility to participate in federal healthcare programs after a period of OIG exclusion. It requires OIG approval — excluded parties cannot simply wait out the period and resume billing.
The reinstatement application process
Excluded parties submit a written reinstatement request to OIG after their exclusion term ends. OIG evaluates the request and decides whether to remove the party from the LEIE. Processing time varies.
What compliance teams must verify
Before re-engaging a formerly excluded party, run a fresh LEIE search and confirm removal from the list. Retain search date, list version, and result. Request OIG reinstatement letter if available.
- Current LEIE search showing party not listed
- Date of reinstatement approval if documented
- Compliance sign-off before re-engagement
- Updated screening schedule for reinstated parties
Do not rely on verbal reinstatement claims
Vendors may claim they are cleared without OIG confirmation. The LEIE publication is authoritative — search it before resuming payment or clinical privileges.
Re-engagement controls after reinstatement
Treat reinstated parties as new onboarding: fresh credentialing, contract review, and enhanced monitoring for a defined period. Document compliance leadership approval for re-engagement.
Permanent exclusions
Some exclusions are permanent with no reinstatement path. If a party remains on the LEIE indefinitely, no re-engagement is permitted for federal healthcare program-connected work.
Frequently asked questions
- Is reinstatement from the LEIE automatic after the exclusion period?
- No. Excluded parties must apply to OIG for reinstatement and receive approval. They remain on the LEIE until OIG removes them.
- How do we verify a vendor was reinstated?
- Search the current LEIE. If the party no longer appears and OIG has confirmed reinstatement in writing, document the search and clearance before re-engagement.
- Can we contract with someone pending reinstatement?
- No. Until OIG removes the party from the LEIE, they remain excluded from federal healthcare program participation.
- How long do OIG exclusions last?
- Varies by offense — often five years minimum for many convictions, with some permanent exclusions. Reinstatement is only available after the exclusion term ends.
Related guides
Put this into a monitored workflow
Exclusion Monitor handles this continuously — with reminders and an audit trail.