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Please Click HerePosted on February 21, 2017 by Ruder Ware Alumni
A few months ago, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported on the guilty plea of an Atlanta dentist for Medicaid fraud. Just this week, the dentist was sentenced to serve a year and a half in federal prison. The dentist was alleged to have netted around $1 million in fraudulently obtained reimbursement from the Medicaid program. As […]
Posted on February 17, 2017 by Ruder Ware Alumni
On February 17, 2017, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) published a proposed rule aimed at reforming and stabilizing the individual and small group health insurance markets. When (or if) finalized, the proposed rule would make changes to special enrollment periods, the annual open enrollment period, guaranteed availability, network adequacy rules, essential community […]
Posted on February 17, 2017 by Ruder Ware Alumni
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has released a final rule to update and modernize the Confidentiality of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Patient Records regulations effective February 17, 2017. The new regulations contain special confidentiality restrictions relating to information pertaining to patients receiving treatment for a substance use disorder under a Federal program. […]
Posted on February 16, 2017 by Jeremy M. Welch
Chairwoman Janet Yellen presented her semi-annual report to the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs on February 15th where she testified that she expects the economy to continue to expand at a moderate pace with inflation gradually rising to two percent. She also stated that the monetary policy remains accommodative and strengthening due […]
Posted on February 14, 2017 by Ruder Ware Alumni
The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services has issued a final rule that revises and modernizes the Conditions of Participation (COP) for Home Health Agencies. The Final Rule can be found in its entirety at: Final Home Health Rule (CMS-3819-F). The new Rule describes the conditions Home Health Agencies (HHA) must meet in order to […]
Posted on February 10, 2017 by Ruder Ware Alumni
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) released a memo specifying maneuvers or techniques that may not be used at any time in community based programs and facilities. DHS deems the prohibited maneuvers or techniques to “present an inherently high risk of serious injury and even death.” Providers are directed by DHS to immediately discontinue […]
Posted on February 9, 2017 by Ruder Ware Alumni
I am often asked my opinion whether a general counsel can also serve in the role of compliance officer. At first blush, it seems the general counsel would be a perfect fit for the role because of general knowledge of regulations applicable to the organization. Clients are often surprised when I tell them it is […]
Posted on February 9, 2017 by Ruder Ware Alumni
On February 1, 2017, the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit affirmed the decision of the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission (“Commission”) which imposed serious willful citations under the permit-required confined space entry standard. In doing so the Seventh Circuit discussed imputed knowledge to the employer, foreseeability of a supervisor’s misconduct, […]
Posted on January 27, 2017 by Ruder Ware Alumni
The HHS Office of Inspector General recently released a report indicating deficiencies in hospice election statements and physician certification of patient eligibility for hospice care. Medicare hospice care provides help to patients who are terminally ill continue life with minimal disruptions. In order to qualify for hospice benefits, a physician must certify the patient is […]
Posted on January 27, 2017 by Ruder Ware Alumni
The City of Philadelphia has passed legislation that prohibits an employer from asking for the current salary of an applicant being considered for employment with a public or private employer. The theory behind this legislation is to prevent employers from excluding applicants who may be interested in a position even though the salary level of […]