"Nationwide Healthcare Lawyers"
(September 17, 2019): The False Claims Act (31 U.S.C. §§ 3729-3733) is the primary civil enforcement tool relied on by the Federal government. It has a long and storied history, going back all the way to the Civil War.[1] Prior to 1986, the statute was only infrequently utilized by law enforcement. That changed with the …
(December 27, 2018): On November 16, 2017, Attorney General Jeff Sessions issued a memorandum[1] (Sessions Memo) implementing the principles set out in President Trump’s Executive Order 13777.[2] The Sessions Memo was addressed to all components of the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and noted the fact that in the past, some DOJ guidance documents had …
(June 27, 2018): Violations of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), where a Covered Entity[3] has failed to utilize ePHI encryption can be quite costly. The loss of unencrypted electronic media containing Protected Health Information (PHI)[1] can result in big fines as one Texas medical center has recently learned the hard way. As …
Is ePHI Encryption Required? The Failure to Properly Protect ePHI Can be Quite Costly Read More »
(Updated June 18, 2018): According to the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners, money lost due to fraud costs businesses and private parties over $3.5 trillion per year. This information, coupled with their assertion that instances of fraud have been dramatically increasing within the last few years, offers an eye-opening revelation not only for business, but …
(January 26, 2018): From Churches to Congress, sexual harassment and assault charges have plagued many of the institutions that our society holds dear. As revelations of sexual misconduct continue to surface, we continue to learn of the many abuses of those in powerful positions; those whom we once revered. The rise of the #MeToo Movement …
Sexual Harassment: Cases Against Texas Physicians in 2017 Read More »
(December 8, 2015): Last month we discussed performing audits in your practice. With the winter holidays just around the corner, we are going to take a detour from our process through establishing a compliance program. November, December, January and February bring many holidays and parties. These are usually an opportunity for happiness and cheer, but …
Looking a Gift Horse in the Mouth (or how to deal with holiday gifts) Read More »
(September 15, 2015): A landowner/ground lessor considering a renewal or easement buyout of his cell tower lease is making a MAJOR financial decision. As a businessman (or woman), you understand that. You may also realize that information about what’s “market rent” or “market price” is hard to come by. Your operator is likely one of …
(March 3, 2015): The federal False Claims Act (FCA), 31 U.S.C. §§ 3729 – 3733 is the primary civil enforcement tool utilized by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ). Enacted in 1863, this Civil War era statute was passed by Congress in an effort to address the fraudulent acts of government contractors providing goods and …
(September 23, 2013): Effective today, all covered entities and business associates must comply with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) Omnibus Final Rule. Please keep in mind, the Final Omnibus Rule is 138 pages long. If you have not already read these new requirements, we strongly recommend that all covered entities, business associates …
(July 19, 2013): Health care providers choosing to participate in Medicare, Medicaid and other Federal health benefits programs are obligated to comply with a wide range of statutory and regulatory requirements. The primary issues most cited in connection with these obligations include those involving questions of medical necessity and / or coverage, coding and billing …
Disability Discrimination Cases are Being Pursued by the Office of Civil Rights Read More »