Health Law Rx
Akerman Insights on the Latest Developments in Healthcare Law
Health Law Rx, published by Akerman LLP, focuses on legal developments and regulatory issues affecting the healthcare industry. The blog covers topics such as Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement policies, healthcare compliance and enforcement actions, data privacy and security regulations, information blocking and interoperability rules, healthcare fraud and abuse investigations, and state-specific healthcare laws and regulations. It also addresses emerging challenges in healthcare delivery, patient rights, and administrative requirements for providers and facilities. The blog provides updates on government agency initiatives, legislative changes, and enforcement trends relevant to healthcare providers, payors, and industry stakeholders.
Latest from Health Law Rx - Page 3
HHS Announces Increased Efforts to Curb Information Blocking Practices
In a September 3 Press Release, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced that it is increasing efforts to curb information blocking. This was quickly followed by a September 4 Enforcement Alert issued jointly by the…
AHCA Proposes New Rule Requiring Providers to Implement Data Breach Continuity Plans
The Florida Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA or the Agency) recently issued a new proposed rule that would require all “providers” licensed by AHCA to have a “continuity plan” for data and information technology disruptions. The proposed rule would…
New Florida Law Requires Licensed Health Care Facilities, Providers, and Practitioners to Promptly Refund Patient Overpayments
Don’t sit on those patient credits. Effective January 1, 2026, a new Florida law (CS/CS/SB 1808) requires licensed health care facilities, providers, and practitioners (each, a “Licensed Provider”) to refund any overpayment made by a patient no later…
Florida Chooses to Exclude Health Care Practitioners from New Noncompete Law
The Florida Legislature recently passed a bill, called the CHOICE Act, that augments Florida’s laws governing restrictive covenants to make it significantly easier for employers to enforce two new types of noncompete agreements: (1) “covered garden leave agreements” and (2)…
Idaho’s Defense of Life Act and EMTALA: For Now, A Federal Court Permits an Idaho Health System To Stabilize Pregnant Patients Even If the Care Endangers a Fetus
An Idaho federal court has resolved the tension between that state’s restrictive abortion law and the federal Emergency Medical Treatment & Labor Act (EMTALA) in favor of a hospital system’s obligation to stabilize pregnant patients even if that care includes…
Hospital Leaders: Are You Fully Prepared For the Rising Wave of H-1B Onsite Inspections in Healthcare Systems Nationwide? Let’s Ensure Your Facilities Are H-1B Compliant!
In recent months, hospitals and healthcare systems across the country have seen an increase in random and unannounced worksite inspections by immigration officers, particularly targeting H-1B nonimmigrant worker visa holders. These inspections aim to verify employers’ compliance with H-1B program…
Harmonizing Federal and Florida Laws on Prescribing Controlled Substances Through Telehealth
Practitioners who want to prescribe controlled substances via telehealth to patients in Florida must meet the requirements of both federal and state law. The federal Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Florida legislature have recently amended the applicable federal regulations…
No (Public) Comment: HHS Rescinds Policy on Public Participation in Rulemaking
By Jeremy Burnette & John Hood
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) recently rescinded its policy dating back to 1971 to now allow its agencies and offices to quickly alter certain rules and regulations without public notice and comment. The Nixon-era policy had waived…
Blizzard of Executive Orders Signals Trump Administration’s Healthcare Priorities
As harsh winter weather swept the nation’s capital, President Donald Trump commenced his second term by signing a blizzard of Executive Orders (EOs) that span many hot-button issues. Several of the EOs signal President Trump’s agenda for the U.S. healthcare…